Jaffa
10th March, 2008, 06:18 PM
A deal for the Dubai royal family to buy a large stake in Liverpool is edging closer after confirmation that negotiations are in an advanced stage.
However talks are still taking place between Dubai International Capital (DIC) and Liverpool's co-owner Tom Hicks about how a joint relationship would work.
Those close to the talks believe that although much progress has been made, more twists in the negotiations are likely to follow.
Fellow American George Gillett is understood to have agreed in principle to sell 49 per cent of his 50 per cent stake to DIC, and the other 1 per cent to Hicks to give the Texan a controlling interest.
However, DIC insist they have yet to reach an agreement on either the price or the size of the shareholding.
It is understood lawyers representing all sides are meeting in the Middle East this week to try to reach a settlement.
A statement from DIC read: "Dubai International Capital confirms that it is in advanced discussions with the co-owners of Liverpool FC but that no agreement has been reached on price or shareholding percentage."
Amanda Staveley, head of PCP Capital Partners, the private equity firm handling the negotiations on behalf of DIC, has claimed Gillett has agreed in principle to a deal.
DIC have accepted that Hicks will not sell his share in Liverpool in the near future, but would insist on a clause giving them first refusal to buy his stake.
However talks are still taking place between Dubai International Capital (DIC) and Liverpool's co-owner Tom Hicks about how a joint relationship would work.
Those close to the talks believe that although much progress has been made, more twists in the negotiations are likely to follow.
Fellow American George Gillett is understood to have agreed in principle to sell 49 per cent of his 50 per cent stake to DIC, and the other 1 per cent to Hicks to give the Texan a controlling interest.
However, DIC insist they have yet to reach an agreement on either the price or the size of the shareholding.
It is understood lawyers representing all sides are meeting in the Middle East this week to try to reach a settlement.
A statement from DIC read: "Dubai International Capital confirms that it is in advanced discussions with the co-owners of Liverpool FC but that no agreement has been reached on price or shareholding percentage."
Amanda Staveley, head of PCP Capital Partners, the private equity firm handling the negotiations on behalf of DIC, has claimed Gillett has agreed in principle to a deal.
DIC have accepted that Hicks will not sell his share in Liverpool in the near future, but would insist on a clause giving them first refusal to buy his stake.