LIVERPOOL - Dubai International Capital group tried to 'bully'
Liverpool's board into accepting a takeover offer, the English
Premier League club's chief executive Rick Parry was quoted as
saying on Thursday.
The DIC withdrew their bid on Wednesday when Liverpool asked for
more time to consider a rival offer from American sports tycoon
George Gillett. 'We have a duty as directors to consider a very
interesting bid from George Gillett,' Parry told the Liverpool
Echo.
'The DIC response to this was to give the club 12 hours to make a
decision but the chairman was not prepared to have Liverpool
Football Club bullied like that'. Liverpool are now concentrating
on the offer from Gillett, the owner of NHL side Montreal
Canadiens, and Parry insists the change of heart was not down to
money.
'The price is not a factor in (chairman) David Moores' mind. He is
not after cash for himself, absolutely not, but he felt compelled
to consider the rival bid,' Parry added. 'We would also stress this
is not a question of going for the second choice. David has always
given George Gillett serious consideration while at the same time
we didn't want to rush into any decision, and we were aware DIC
might walk away.
There were initial fears Gillett was keen on forcing Liverpool to
share a new stadium with city rivals Everton. But whilst Liverpool
did announce an exclusivity agreement in November, Gillett
impressed the board with his proposal and the way he completed
due-diligence in three days.
'George Gillett has made it absolutely clear to us he will not be
in favour of a ground share,' Parry added. 'There will be funding
for the new stadium and a proper commitment to investment in the
team.
'Be assured the only thing David Moores is concerned about is the
club being in the right hands for the future. 'You can be certain
he has done his homework carefully and will make a decision in the
best interests of the club.' Liverpool are believed to have had
second thoughts about the DIC after they took several weeks to
complete due-diligence.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez told a news conference on Thursday
he was happy with the board's actions. 'When the club was talking
to the DIC the conversations were good, but if the board decided to
change, maybe they think the new people are better. I trust the
board,' Benitez said.