Sheikh Jassim’s reaction might bring an end to the Manchester United acquisition controversy if the bid’meets Glazer value.’
Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover war for Manchester United may be coming to a close, nearly a year after the Glazers submitted offers.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest strategic move in the Manchester United takeover war may be the impetus for Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to reach an agreement with the Glazer family. The British billionaire is said to have met the United owners’ valuation, which may please Sheikh Jassim.
The Glazers are mulling a revised Ratcliffe bid for 25% of the club for £1.5 billion, according to The Times.
The INEOS CEO’s initial bid of roughly £5 billion for the Glazers’ 67 percent interest met their high asking price, given that the entire club is reputedly valued at £6 billion.
However, given Avram and Joel Glazer’s unwillingness to sell, Ratcliffe’s new approach of accepting a minority ownership before a phased full takeover in the coming years may be more appealing.
Sheikh Jassim is alleged to have offered £5 billion for 100% ownership of the club and has shown little sign of lowering his already exorbitant asking price.
The Qatari royal is said to be sceptical by recent claims about Ratcliffe’s new plan, viewing it as yet another effort to increase competitive friction among bidders.
However, if Ratcliffe’s new strategy begins to win over the Glazers, it may spark a reaction that ends the takeover issue once and for all.
