Who's in contention to takeover Liverpool and what hope do they have of success?

06 August 2010 08:01
Kenny HuangThe Chinese entrepreneur, the first to show his hand in the battle for control of Anfield, plans to wipe out Liverpool's debt, invest heavily in the playing staff and secure the financing for a new stadium.[LNB]Doubts linger over who provides the funds. China Investment Corporation, one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, appeared to deny involvement.Huang appears well placed.[LNB] Related ArticlesLiverpool board wait for proof of cashLiverpool 2 Rabotnicki 0; agg 4-0Kenny Huang denies Beijing backingKirdi wants Liverpool deal by start of seasonChinese view: CIC move 'implausible'Premier League's Foreign LegionHe has made contact with those driving the sales process, while his initial approach to buy Liverpool's £237 million debt to the Royal Bank of Scotland can be viewed as an attempt to force Tom Hicks and George Gillett to lower their inflated asking price.[LNB]Is it going to happen? 7/10[LNB]Yahya KirdiThe Syrian, first linked with Liverpool in March, has secured the support of club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. A statement said he has agreed a purchase price, secured new stadium financing and planned to wipe out the debt.[LNB]Kirdi has dealt direct with Hicks and Gillett, but they have ceded control to Martin Broughton and the board and even their choice must win a majority vote.[LNB]It is believed Kirdi's backers, as yet unrevealed, are from the Emirate of Sharjah, but sources close to the deal have expressed doubts that he has the finance to fulfil his ambitious plans, which include a hotel and solarium as part of a renovated Stanley Park.[LNB]Is it going to happen? 5/10[LNB]Rhone Group A New York-based private equity group run by the billionaires Steven Langman and Robert Agostinelli, Rhone emerged as suitors in March, when they made an offer of £110 million for a 40 per cent stake. Though they have not attracted as much publicity as either Huang or Kirdi, Rhone are reckoned as serious contenders.[LNB]Rhone have informed Liverpool they remain interested, though at a higher price £100 million for 25 per cent and therefore have the advantage of valuing the club higher than Huang.[LNB]Rhone could not guarantee to clear Liverpool's debt, while they would also need to secure a majority partner.[LNB]Is it going to happen? 4/10[LNB]The Al-Kharafi family Quietest of all of the suitors, the powerful Kuwaiti family came close to buying the club in January 2009 and are thought to retain an interest in buying into the Premier League, though they are yet to make contact.[LNB]Though Nasser, the family's patriarch, possesses the means as the 48th richest man in the world thanks to his retail business empire, which includes the franchising rights for Dunkin Donuts in Kuwait sources close to the process have intimated that he does not have the inclination.[LNB]Little is known about what plans he has for the club he has coveted for at least 18 months.[LNB]Is it going to happen? 4/10 [LNB]

Source: Telegraph