Interesting reading. http://www.southwales-eveningpost.c...ussian-Asian/story-23020547-detail/story.html Swansea have spoken to money men from around the world as they seek to boost their financial power â but insist they have never received any takeover offers. It is understood Swansea have held discussions with a group of wealthy Americans over the possibility of getting involved at the Liberty Stadium, while they have also talked to interested parties from Russia and Asia. But while the prospect of outside investors buying shares in Swansea is not inconceivable, the club are adamant that despite rumours which have been circulating, there is no prospect of them being taken over at this stage. What is clear is that Swanseaâs owners are keen to bring in more cash as they attempt to continue the remarkable progress made during their 12-year stint at the helm. Huw Jenkins declared only last month that Swansea were âmiles behindâ the majority of their Premier League rivals in terms of money made commercially. He said there was a need to bring in extra money to help Swansea grow, and the club are now taking steps to increase their income. The American contingent, who have links with Swanseaâs US-based director Brian Katzen, are understood to have travelled to Wales for the game against Southampton earlier this month, when they took a look around the club. They have expressed an interest in getting involved at Swansea, while the club are desperate to increase revenue from sponsorship and commercial activities. Swansea represent an attractive proposition for potential investors because they are a well-run club with no debt. And though the fact they do not own their stadium could be a hindrance, Swanseaâs reputation as a good footballing side continues to grow. The feeling within the Liberty boardroom is that additional finance needs to come from somewhere to help Swansea compete in the Premier League. As things stand, their major sources of income are television money and transfers. And Jenkins has stressed that Swansea need to find extra cash to sustain their success in a division packed with clubs who have more money to play with than them. Swanseaâs wage bill is bigger than it has been at any stage in their history, while they are having to stump up greater transfer fees than ever before to bring in the calibre of players needed to compete in the top flight. At the same time as looking to ensure they achieve on the field, Swansea are hoping to increase the capacity of their stadium â which will come at a significant cost â as well as pumping money into their two new training bases and their academy. Swanseaâs directors believe spreading the clubâs name around the globe is essential if they are to find additional resources. Whether any board members, most of whom are genuine Swans fans, would actually sell their shares if the opportunity arose remains to be seen. All of those involved would stand to make huge profits on the investments they made in Swansea when the club was on its knees just over a decade ago â but that will only become a possibility should a takeover offer ever materialise. Swanseaâs Supportersâ Trust would have a say should things ever get that far as they have a 20 per cent stake in the club.
Hoping to extend the ground despite not owning it. Hmmmmm... Anywhere Swans are held in high regard? Maybe a name change which would only in love removing 3 letters could be the answer.
Don't **** with the Wans. [video=youtube;74ABm5_jhws]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74ABm5_jhws[/video]
I was thinking the 3 letters would be sea which was a bit daft as that would leave Swan. Just noticed that the new keyboard on iOS8 decided that when I typed involve I really wanted to put in love.
I dont understand why he cant just increase the number of fans in the supporters trust to take a greater control of the club, this will surely ensure their future more than foreign investment?? Strange.
The supporters trust were gifted 20% of the club, getting more members just increases the size of the trust, it generates no income at all.
I never understand what an investor would get out of it. Is it a greater exposure for other businesses they run as there is little to take out of football these days unless you are an agent or a player.
Having only 20,000 seats is obviously a big problem, they originally planned to increase the size of the club by taking it to over 30,000, but they're under EU investigation for the original stadium deal so had to look at other options.
