World's fifth richest man eyes
Birmingham
Indian-born billionaire Lakshmi Mittal - the fifth richest man in
the world - has emerged as a contender to buy Premiership club
Birmingham. The steel magnate, who is worth £19.25 billion, has
made an inquiry about the possibility of taking over the midlands
club from David Sullivan and David and Ralph Gold.
Mittal, who is based in the UK, has not so far followed up his
initial interest in Blues who have become a more attractive
commodity following their return to the Premiership. City are
already the subject of interest from a mystery Far East businessman
who is planning to make a formal bid later in the week if auditors
are satisfied after going through the club's books.
But 56-year-old Mittal, who last year bought Arcelor, the world's
second biggest steel-maker for £17.8 billion, is maintaining a
watching brief. Mittal has twice the personal fortune of Chelsea
owner Roman Abramowich and Blues could be transformed into a major
power if he took control. Sullivan and the Golds, who would
relinquish control for around £50 million, would be happier with a
quick sale of City rather than a long drawn-out affair if their
time at the club is to end after 14 years.
In the meantime Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is pressing ahead
with his plans to try to strengthen his squad for next season. But
he suffered a setback with West Brom rejecting a joint £5 million
bid for Diomansy Kamara and Jason Koumas.
