Businessman Thomas Zilliacus claims after entering race to buy Manchester United
No figures have been revealed by the Raine Group, which is handling the offers on behalf of the Glazers, but one or more of the initial bids is understood to be in the region of 4.5 billion ($5.5 billion).
The Glazers have reportedly put a price tag of 6 billion on the three-time Champions League winners.
Zilliacus, said to be a Manchester United supporter, favours a model in which his consortium would buy the club and then sell shares to supporters worldwide.
"It (United) was there long before all these people who are bidding for it were born and it will be here long after all these people who are bidding for it have passed away," he told the I newspaper. "The backbone of that institution is the fans and in that respect it's hugely important the fans are at the centre of the decisions."
United fans have spent years complaining about the Glazers, even breaking into Old Trafford to force the postponement of a match against Liverpool in 2021 in protest at the Americans' unpopular reign.
Zilliacus said if his bid is chosen, fans would be given a say on major issues such as potential redevelopment of Old Trafford and squad building, but not team selection. Although he is a latecomer in the takeover battle, Zilliacus is adamant his investment group should be considered a serious contender.
"I have been doing business all my life. I have started companies, bought companies, sold companies so I have a global network and I have done this on a global scale -- first with the largest phone company in the world, Nokia, then with my own group," he said. "I have a network that spans the globe of people who want to participate in interesting ventures, and this certainly is one.
"To put together financing for something like this -- and it is a big sum -- is something I'm used to."
Friday, March 31, 2023 at 5:33 am