Source: Telegraph
Liverpool takeover: NESV poised to complete sale, but Tom Hicks lawsuit will follow
In a statement released at 1.40pm, Tom Hicks appeared to signal defeat, confirming he will pursue a $1.6 billion damages claim as a result of the "proposed illegal sale". [LNB]NESV owner John W Henry arrived at the London offices of Liverpool's solicitors Slaughter & May at 12.50pm and public relations officials of the club arrived at 1.20pm, signalling an announcement is imminent. [LNB] Related ArticlesMill Financial sought Premier League approvalHenry vows to keep fighting for LiverpoolLiverpool future to be decided in DallasHicks and Gillett go back to Dallas courtHigh Court victory, again, for LiverpoolLim withdraws bid for LiverpoolThe NESV deal would see Hicks' last-minute attempts to derail the takeover fail, but he does not intend to go quietly. [LNB] "It's an extraordinary swindle and it will result in exactly the wrong thing for the Club and the fans," said Steve Stodghill, the Texas attorney representing the Liverpool owners. [LNB] "This outcome not only devalues the Club but it also will result in long-term uncertainty for the fans, players and everyone who loves this sport because all legal recourses will be pursued," added Stodghill. [LNB] "Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett pledged to pay the debt to RBS so that the Club could avoid administration that was threatened by RBS. That offer was rejected. It is a tragic development that others will claim as a victory. [LNB] "This means it won't be resolved the way it should be resolved. My clients worked tirelessly to resolve these issues but RBS would not listen to any reasonable solution and the Directors acted selfishly and illegally." [LNB]Earlier today, John W Henry had pledged to fight Hicks' "last desperate attempt" to hang on to Liverpool, saying NESV has a binding agreement to buy the club.[LNB]Henry said on his Twitter account this morning: "We have a binding contract. Will fight Mill/Hicks/Gillett attempt to keep club today. Their last desperate attempt to entrench their regime."[LNB]Liverpool and RBS have won two significant victories in the High Court in the past 48 hours, and they will presumably be confident about their ability to fight any lawsuits filed by Hicks and Gillett.[LNB]Mr Justice Floyd was scathing in his remarks about the American co-owners' conduct, which he described as "unconscionable".[LNB]
