Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Yeung makes Birmingham shares bid

Birmingham City v Aston Villa
Birmingham lost to rivals Aston Villa in Sunday's derby at St Andrew's

Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung has formally lodged his takeover bid for Birmingham City after sending official offer documents to shareholders.

Yeung is offering £1 a share and hopes to complete the deal by late October.

He already owns 29.9% of the club, and co-owners David Sullivan and the Gold brothers have indicated they will sell their combined 50% investment.

If Yeung's stake reaches 90%, it will trigger the compulsory purchase of the remaining shares.

Even without that, Yeung would still own the club - although he is keen to secure the full 100%.

606: DEBATE

The first closing date of the offer is 6 October, after which time Grandtop International Holdings - Yeung's company - will assess its level of ownership.

Yeung, who launched a failed bid to buy Blues in 2007, has already secured a £57m bridging loan to finance the deal.

He is now seeking permission from backers to issue 50% more shares in Grandtop at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for next month. However, the acquisition of Birmingham is not dependent on that being successful.

No comments: