Rafa welcomes takeover talk
05 Dec 2006 - 07:43:32
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has welcomed the news that the club appears to be on the verge of being taken over by the investment arm of Dubai's government.
Dubai International Capital (DIC) confirmed on Monday that they are in exclusive talks with the Reds and appear to be poised for a £450million takeover of the club.
"I have talked to the chairman (David Moores) and chief executive (Rick Parry) about this and I was pleased with what I heard," said Benitez.
"It is always good for a club to have more money and more possibilities."
The proposed deal is expected to include £200million to build a new 60,000-capacity stadium and Rick Parry added: "This is the latest step on the road of finding the long-term investment that the club needs.
"This is very important in terms of the proposed new stadium, which is key to plans for the regeneration of the local community.
"On the pitch, Liverpool remains focused on winning and, here again, this is all about doing a deal that gives us the long-term resources to do that.
"Already they (DIC) have demonstrated a full understanding of, and respect for, the club's heritage and values. We also believe they share our passion for success. In particular, DIC believes in investing in the businesses it acquires."
DIC owns the Madame Tussauds Group and the Travelodge hotel chain as well as one third of the London Eye.
The company is an investment arm of Dubai Holding, which is owned by Dubai Crown Prince and United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.