[Archived] Rovers Sold ??

[thenodrog]

Johann Rupert, a South African billionaire, is a possible rival bidder to Daniel Williams in the battle for control at Rovers, it was reported tonight.

Rupert, 57, is the head of Swiss-based Richemont, whose brands include Cartier and Dunhill. His family is the 207th richest in the world, with assets of about £1.65 billion.

He is said to be building a consortium that includes Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huigenza. "My good friend Johann Rupert asked me if I'd be a very, very small partner," Huigenza said. "I did say that I'd do that - but only because I was a friend of his."

All this interest in the Prem clubs from the Worlds rich list is provoking a right old feeding frenzy! If I were the Glazers I'd be seriously considering putting up the 'For Sale' signs at OT.

[RevidgeBlue]

All this interest in the Prem clubs from the Worlds rich list is provoking a right old feeding frenzy! If I were the Glazers I'd be seriously considering putting up the 'For Sale' signs at OT.

It was rumoured they already had a month or two back.

[RevidgeBlue]

People are commenting on what has been made public via the LET and the Citizen. At this stage, the two people who have propelled this subject into the public domain in such a discussion provoking manner are Mr (D) Williams, and Mr Hubert.

That is their choice, and they must expect some reaction and comment.

"Nicko" i.e. Alan Nixon claimed neither DW nor Rovers broke the story to the Sunday People.

However that story contained references to various previous unsuccessful approaches for Rovers which DW (or anyone else for that matter) probably wouldn't have known anything about.

Therefore I suspect the story broke from Rovers end. (The Canadian journalist above also claims Nixon and John Williams are buddies which might explain why Nixon seems to get numerous exclusive scoops on Rovers)

Other than that I agree with what you say 100%.

[philipl]

Alan Nixon's intervention I guess shows that these random ramblings of a few Rovers supporters get read and in the absence of other feed back are taken as a weather vane of supporters' feelings. If you are an American with a relatively vague notion of the passions of the English game and used to upfront gunghoism in sports fans, this thread must at times make strange reading.

They must wonder what motivated Jack to make a set of restrictive covenants protecting the pastime of such a bunch of cynics. Then again, they didn't travel to Port Vale, Mansfield etc etc in the 1970s and saw all the false dawns from the '50s to the start of the '90s. We are a good bunch really.

The blog of the chap from Marple no longer contains some of the words it did originally unless my memory is playing tricks on me.

The Sun's copy of jim's story

This Guardian report seems very familiar having read jim's scoop a few posts up.

Perhaps Rovers' two South African players and the 2010 World Cup have had a bearing on this interest?

How will the provisions of Jack's will come into play if a bidding war starts. The Trustees will be in a position they probably never thought they would face. They have to do the best to maximise the Trust's worth but they also have special obligations so far as the Rovers are concerned making it a very tricky judgement call.

Interesting that one of the World's biggest purveyors of luxury brands has stepped in-

Cartier and Blackburn Rovers? The cross-selling possibilities are endless.

An inadequate attempt at explaining why overseas interests are interested in the Premiership

Maybe I am being naive but the way I see it is that Britain in general has the most fluid ownership in the world and is doing brilliantly out of it. The City sold out of British ownership thirty years ago but London has on most measures just overtaken New York as the World's largest financial centre. Could be the same for the Premiership.

It comes to something when the bidders (according to a Barca blog) for Saviola are West Ham and Man City having blown all CL contenders out of the water with their wadges.

[Ewood Spark]

"Nicko" i.e. Alan Nixon claimed neither DW nor Rovers broke the story to the Sunday People.

However that story contained references to various previous unsuccessful approaches for Rovers which DW (or anyone else for that matter) probably wouldn't have known anything about.

Therefore I suspect the story broke from Rovers end. (The Canadian journalist above also claims Nixon and John Williams are buddies which might explain why Nixon seems to get numerous exclusive scoops on Rovers)

Other than that I agree with what you say 100%.

Marple Cheshire ...... not Maple leaf.

[Alan75]

Interesting that one of the World's biggest purveyors of luxury brands has stepped in-

Cartier and Blackburn Rovers? The cross-selling possibilities are endless.

Do they made strips, and more important when will they be available.

Oh Man of the match award could be interested, missed out on a new handbag Lucash.

[John]

I like the sound of Rupert. Good that there are other interested parties.

Chairman John Williams said "The next level for us is regularly finishing in the top six, and ultimately the top four, so we are looking for the next Roman Abramovich, which is a very difficult task."

[Paul Mellelieu]

One way or the other the club's ownership is about to change, but, to give Hughes a good chance to make new signings, it needs to be resolved quickly.

[SuperStella]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Rupert

[AggyBlue]

Cartier and Blackburn Rovers? The cross-selling possibilities are endless.

A free watch with every seaon ticket?

[Biddy]

A free watch with every seaon ticket?

At those prices?!? More likely the other way round.

[thenodrog]

Chairman John Williams said "The next level for us is regularly finishing in the top six, and ultimately the top four, so we are looking for the next Roman Abramovich, which is a very difficult task."

Lets not forget that if there were 20 Roman Abromovitch's each in sole ownership of a Premier League club....... 3 would still get relegated each year!

[Damage]

To be honest I cannot believe the sheer arrogance of some of the posters above. People ranting about "show me the money" etc. What right have any of us as supporters of the club to see any money? We have to let them get on with it, and to speculate that any would be buyer is unfit either by motive or ability to find the funds is gross discourtesy. It is not for me, you or any of us to sit in judgement on Dan Williams or any one else that the board recognises as a suitable candidate to negotiate with.

Obviously I have no "right" to information on any private business deal. But I do have a right to make an opinion on any potential business deal. If i was a customer of Tesco and it was touted that walmart were taking over I would have an opinion! This is no different and I fail to see why I should take anything on trust that any of the parties involved has to say about the matter. I will pass judgement on potential suitors for the club and as far as I am concerned, at this moment, DW has not passed the test! "Show me the money" and I will be able to make a more informed judgement.

An important aspect of this for any potential buyer is how the fans feel. We have precious few people at matches already - what impact would result from new owners perceived to be "milking" the club? I for one would not continue my 20yr stint as season ticker holder. So I feel that it is vital for the "club" to get this right and, rightly or wrongly, I see myself as having a stake in the "club". As such I will make my feelings known if I wish.

[nicko]

Don't be put off by yet more scare stories about the Daniel Williams backers.

After spending the last week tracking them down I would suggest they are pretty legit.

Their identities will be revealed shortly. Sunday with a bit of luck.

And just to repeat. The story did NOT come from Blackburn Rovers or Dan Williams.

For what it's worth 'nicko' couldn't afford a house in Hale or 'the footballer stockbroker belt' although he does quite like the idea.

[Damage]

Lets not forget that if there were 20 Roman Abromovitch's each in sole ownership of a Premier League club....... 3 would still get relegated each year!

Not if the 20 owners decide that their investments should be protected and vote to make the prem a closed shop with no relegation or promotion! Maybe this is the longterm future of the prem and the reason why some investors seems so keen!? And when this happens its a small step to move any club to a city with more potential customers "Hey Leeds has 700k people but no prem club - lets move the team there!".

[AggyBlue]

Don't be put off by yet more scare stories about the Daniel Williams backers.

After spending the last week tracking them down I would suggest they are pretty legit.

Their identities will be revealed shortly. Sunday with a bit of luck.

And just to repeat. The story did NOT come from Blackburn Rovers or Dan Williams.

For what it's worth 'nicko' couldn't afford a house in Hale or 'the footballer stockbroker belt' although he does quite like the idea.

Nicko, do you know anything of the South African led bid?

[Brownie]

Don't be put off by yet more scare stories about the Daniel Williams backers.

After spending the last week tracking them down I would suggest they are pretty legit.

Their identities will be revealed shortly. Sunday with a bit of luck.

And just to repeat. The story did NOT come from Blackburn Rovers or Dan Williams.

For what it's worth 'nicko' couldn't afford a house in Hale or 'the footballer stockbroker belt' although he does quite like the idea.

Are we talking names that would be known by the average Rovers fan ? Or even names that pople in the Business world would recognise ?

By the way on another note, any inside transfer news on rovers ? Bellamy ??

[nicko]

ON SOUTH AFRICAN.

I heard the Huizenga name when I was trying to find the identity of the 'American' bidder last week. I know he has an interest in buying a football club - or even a rugby club - with his billionaire pal Johann Rupert. His full interview suggests it is just an idea to him and not THAT far down the line. I believe he was quoted in America in response to being mentioned at the bottom of the Sunday People piece last week which I will take as a compliment.

ON DAN WILLIAMS TEAM.

I can't name them yet - or I will put myself out of a job with the Sunday People - but I have checked their backgrounds and they are big names in American business. No fly-by-nights. There is something in this deal for all of them. Financial, business spin-offs etc. As I said before it would be in their interests for the whole thing to be a success. You may not like Yanks but they know how to run a railroad.

ON CRAIG BELLAMY.

Liverpool have to drop the price first, but there is a chance of a return. West Ham are opffering the biggest deal but to be fair to the little Welshman that will not be the main reason behind any move.

[AggyBlue]

Thanks nicko.

[Brownie]

ON DAN WILLIAMS TEAM.

I can't name them yet - or I will put myself out of a job with the Sunday People - but I have checked their backgrounds and they are big names in American business. No fly-by-nights. There is something in this deal for all of them. Financial, business spin-offs etc. As I said before it would be in their interests for the whole thing to be a success. You may not like Yanks but they know how to run a railroad.

Big names in American business ?? Are we talking owners of worldwide recognised companies ? Billionaires ? Would you see us if this was to come off as one of the wealthiest clubs in the Prem - spending power-wise ?

[den]

The men behind the bid.

[nicko]

I don't know their personal wealth, but their CVs are impressive and the company they work for is booming. The three main players are a mixture of vast business experience and profit-making in their worlds. There is also another 'Englishman' in there, but not a Rovers fan.

I'm not sure of their budget in terms of spending power for players, but looking at their profiles I would say it would be sensible but not flash. The good thing is these people do speculate to accumulate.

I don't think we are talking billions, but enough to do well.

One of the reasons Rovers is attractive to buyers is because they have spent well and wisely within their budget.

There is no real debt and I don't think the new guys would want to run one up either.

But with extra cash and all the TV money about - plus a possible increase in marketing - it could be happy days.

Just one word of warning. They are still doing their sums.

So until both sides are comfortable with each other we all have to sit and wait.

[Fife Rover]

I usually agree with everything you post FR, but I only agree with 25% of the above.

Yes, I entirely trust John Williams to make the right decisions for Blackburn Rovers. However I can't "trust" the trustees, because I don't know to what extent we (as Rovers fans) are protected from them by Jack Walker's will.

That aside, the "outside interference" from this messageboard is hardly a dealbreaker. Nobody is outside Ewood Park with placards.

People are commenting on what has been made public via the LET and the Citizen. At this stage, the two people who have propelled this subject into the public domain in such a discussion provoking manner are Mr (D) Williams, and Mr Hubert.

That is their choice, and they must expect some reaction and comment. Therefore I am entitled to make a judgement on this thread about what has been put into the public domain by those individuals.

And - as todays new information is Hubert's comments in the LET - my personal opinion remains negative.

DW has only been to three games this season - including the FA semi - according to his own LET interview. Other than that his passion is limited to Sunday mornings on the internet (LET interview). So the games he's been to have been since March then.

Shame such a rich, passionate fan ignored the UEFA Cup run - seems pretty fundamental to me.

These guys have chosen to put a large amount of information in front of us fans, via our local newspaper. Therefore we are entitled to comment on it, and analyse it, wherever we want to and as much as we want to.

Yes Tris you are quite right that people have the right to comment on what they read in the press or hear on TV etc. I have no problem with that at all; my problem is with the way that some people have chosen to do this. Some of the comments made on this thread and even more so in the letters to the LT are nothing less than downright rude, and in some cases much worse than that. Comments such as "show me the money" for instance.

The point I was making in my previous post was that until any concrete evidence emerges to show that the Rovers are at risk of being sold to someone with undesireable (from our point of view) chacteristics, then we should all at least treat the candidates with respect, and we should also trust that the Rovers side including the Walker Trust must be allowed to do whatever they have to do without us shouting dire warnings from the sidelines. We have been assured many times that there are adequate safeguards built in to the Trust documents. We have no other recourse except to trust the Trust, and at the very least NOT to aim any unhelpful, or worse still, abusive comments in their direction.

[Brownie]

I don't know their personal wealth, but their CVs are impressive and the company they work for is booming. The three main players are a mixture of vast business experience and profit-making in their worlds. There is also another 'Englishman' in there, but not a Rovers fan.

I'm not sure of their budget in terms of spending power for players, but looking at their profiles I would say it would be sensible but not flash. The good thing is these people do speculate to accumulate.

I don't think we are talking billions, but enough to do well.

One of the reasons Rovers is attractive to buyers is because they have spent well and wisely within their budget.

There is no real debt and I don't think the new guys would want to run one up either.

But with extra cash and all the TV money about - plus a possible increase in marketing - it could be happy days.

Just one word of warning. They are still doing their sums.

So until both sides are comfortable with each other we all have to sit and wait.

Thanks for that 'Nicko', your postings are very very interesting and greatly appreciated. Long may you be an active member on this website and may I invite you to become one of the few (if not the only) pro Rovers red top journalists. Your articles will now be read with added interest from the members of this site and any 'nudge nudge wink wink' exclusives with regards to transfers etc would be most welcome.

Keep in touch, keep us informed and Good luck on the detective work

[RevidgeBlue]

Extremely damp squib today's LT story after rushing out at 8.30 this morning to get a copy!

Just a recycling of info about DW and Walter Hubert, most of which we already know. Still no clue whatsoever as to the identity of the backers.

It's mentioned again in the LT article that if the DW bid is successful, Walter Hubert might return in some capacity which I think would be a tremendous backwards step.

He had his time in the 70's and the Board never showed a scrap of ambition back in those days.

The post Jack Walker Blackburn Rovers is a different club entirely. It's only relatively recently the remainder of the "old guard" were removed from the Board and the management evolved into a modern streamlined executive Board. I can't for the life of me see the sense in reintroducing someone from the pre Jack days unless of course they were investing heavily themselves.

I hope we hear more about the possible South African bid. If a billionaire is proposing bringing in the owner of the Miami Dolphins as a "very very small part" of something, that would indicate a very powerful consortium indeed.