Gao seemed the preferred buyer and better to sell 80% to him than start all over again. I find it hard to believe that we weren't attractive to other buyers, but most people interested in clubs seem to be dubious. Gao may have looked like a good buyer initially, but then he struggled to raise the money after he couldn't touch his money in China...again too far down the line to make pulling out of the deal an attractive option. I honestly believe that KL was trying her best to do well by us...bearing in mind this is serious money and she is a businesswoman. I see no conspiracy on her part...but have no views on Gao's intentions.
There would be no exact value on the club as no one can put a definitive value on players as this goes up and down. I would have thought £220M for the whole shooting match was a good deal if she wanted to sell, keeping 20 per cent is a bonus.
Considering she inherited the club, she's made a hell of a lot of money by selling her 80%, even if you take off the loans repaid to her (which she charged us quite a hefty interest rate on for someone that's supposedly got the best interests of the club at heart.), so losing value on the remaining 20% stake via possible relegation isn't going to be much of a hit for her really. I imagine she kept hold of it in the hope that she would see an increase in value.... maybe one day it will.
https://news.sky.com/story/premier-league-bosses-approve-tougher-club-ownership-rules-10908980 He's one of the reasons the PL have made tougher fit & proper person rules - I'd be amazed if he was the best option on the table for the club. We were probably one of the most attractive propositions in the country before we were sold and there were multiple parties rumoured to be interested. I imagine the only reason we ended up with him, is that his offer was best for KL personally.
I agree this does look it might make sense. Either way it's a bum deal for Saints fans as there will be zero cash invested in the club as we were told and might be asset stripped come relegation. I just hope she can sleep at night, Marcus must be turning in his crave!
Fran I think you must be a lovely lady always trying to see the positive side. I just think KL was running out of doughnuts and was desperate to sell to anyone to get herself out of a tight squeeze with the taxman. I think she has turned this club into a shambles and it's just so sad!
My company has just been bought out by a corporate, despite being given assurances it wouldn't when I took the job 8 months ago. I'm realistic, cynical some might say. But it all boils down to money and owners will do what's best for their investment. In my case cash out while your chips still hold value.
