Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a British billionaire, is reportedly considering teaming up with another party to match the bid of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani in the ongoing battle for a Manchester United takeover.
Ratcliffe, through his company INEOS, and Al Thani both made initial offers worth around £4.5 billion in February, but the Glazer family, the current owners, are holding out for a world-record sale amid their £6 billion asking price.
Ratcliffe personally held talks with United officials and impressed club chiefs with his sporting expertise.
Sheikh Jassim is expected to launch a £5.5 billion follow-up offer on Wednesday, but Ratcliffe may have a trick up his sleeve.
He is reportedly considering linking up with one of the other interested parties, such as US hedge fund Elliott Management, who are open to financing any takeover.
Banks, including Goldman Sachs, have reportedly been lined up to bankroll Ratcliffe’s pursuit.
Ratcliffe has made it clear that he won’t pay “stupid” money for the club, which he views as a “community asset” rather than a financial one.
His interest in the club is purely in winning things.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
