Archived News from May 2008
|
TAKEOVER LATEST: 5 GROUPS INTERESTED
|
 |
|
5 groups interested in Stags takeover
CHAD.co.uk, 6 May 2008 CONTROVERSIAL Mansfield Town owner Keith Haslam has at least FIVE takeover options to consider over the next few days. Full story at CHAD website here Chad understands that Haslam - and his accountant Chris Harrison and chief executive Stephen Booth - have been involved in sale discussions since the Stags' relegation from the Football League last Tuesday. Previously the club had put the protracted buyout talks - ongoing for 18 months - on hold during the latter stages of the ultimately unsuccessful relegation battle. Last week the chief executive was contacted by the Australian interest which was once part of the Derry consortium. Now with new backers and the Stags' on-the-field future confirmed, Chad believes they would like to submit a new bid. Then on Monday Booth - brought to the club to broker a sale - met Colin Hancock. The Glapwell chairman and former Aldershot chief told Chad: "We had a very constructive and positive meeting. Stephen has gone away to construct the substance of our discussion for Keith to consider. "I am hopeful of a positive conclusion. It is in the interests of everyone at the club — the manager, players and staff - that a deal decision is made very quickly, whoever gets control." Previously he told Chad, when we reported on his initial interest last month, that he would be sensitive to the club's history, its fans and position in the community. However, Chad has learned that the maverick businessman John Batchelor believes his offer to be the takeover front runner following meetings with Chris Harrison on Sunday. He declined to comment about his recent talks — but it is known he has a three-pronged management team ready to move in at Field Mill with a list of players already identified for next season. A fourth group interested in taking over the Stags is headed by an unamed Mansfield businessman, who met with Haslam on Friday. It is believed that all these four parties have enquired about initially buying the football club, renting the ground in differing deals - from £60,000 to £100,000 a year - with an option to buy Field Mill, for around £4.25m, at a later date. However, Chad has learned that Haslam is also talking to two other local businessmen in a deal which would see him retain 30% of the club - at least for an initial period. And to complete a confusing picture, Chad is also aware of a an investment banking firm from London - a member of the Stock Exchange - which has shown an interest in the club. --------------- Stags chairman to decide future with club CHAD.co.uk, 6 May 2008 MANSFIELD Town chairman Tony Egginton will make an announcement about his role at the club later this week following a meeting with chief executive Stephen Booth on Wednesday. Full story at CHAD website here Eggington, brought in a few weeks ago after the resignation of James Derry, told Chad: "Part of my role was to try to facilitate bringing in a new owner who has the best interests of the club at heart and wants to make the club the hub of the community. "That is still my aim. We need to start the new season with a clean sheet and end all the off-the-field turmoil. Keith (Haslam) has to go now. "The fans have suffered and I share their concerns. They have had a raw deal and deserve some reward." ----------- Batchelor 'raring to go at Stags' CHAD.co.uk, 7 May 2008 RUMOURS about a possible sale of Mansfield Town FC continued to circulate on Wednesday - after Chad's exclusive revelations that at least five parties are in takeover talks. On Wednesday the controversial Batchelor, who had declined to comment to Chad earlier this week, said: "I am ready and raring to go if given the opportunity by Keith Haslam to complete the deal." Full story at CHAD website here Owner Keith Haslam is believed to be in talks with several groups over finally selling the Stags following their relegation to non league football. The discussions have left manager Paul Holland and the out-of-contract players - who have yet to be offered new deals - in the dark as to their futures. But they have yet to be told anything as Haslam considers a possible offer from an Australian group, a firm offer from John Batchelor, an interest from Glapwell chairman Colin Hancock, and a possible interest from a Mansfield businessman - together with a fifth option which would see Haslam retain an interest in the club while it was led by two local businessmen. ----------------- |
Latest | May 2008