Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry says the club will not be
bullied into accepting a takeover offer.
Dubai International Capital pulled out of a deal to purchase
Liverpool after the Reds board failed to accept their bid following
a meeting on Tuesday.
Instead, Owner and chairman David Moores and board members decided
to take more time to consider an improved offer from American
George Gillett.
Parry has now suggested that DIC tried to 'bully' Liverpool into
accepting their offer by giving them an ultimatum.
"We have a duty as directors to consider a very interesting bid
from George Gillett," he 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."
Parry insists the decision to take a closer look at Gillett's offer
was not down to money, with the Montreal Canadiens owner believed
to have offered shareholders more for their holding in the
club.
"The price is not a factor in David Moores' mind. He is not after
cash for himself, absolutely not, but he felt compelled to consider
the rival bid," Parry said.
"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.
"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."
Meanwhile, Parry has confirmed Gillett's outlined plans do not
involve a ground share with Merseyside rivals Everton.
He added: "George Gillett has made it absolutely clear to us he
will not be in favour of a ground share.
"There will be funding for the new stadium and a proper commitment
to investment in the team."