Tom Hicks: I won’t be selling LFC shares

Jan 18 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL FC co-owner Tom Hicks last night said any suggestion he was considering selling his share in the club was “categorically untrue”.

It followed renewed reports that Dubai International Capital (DIC), rival bidder at the time Hicks and George Gillett bought the club in February 2007, was about to make a move to buy out Hicks.

Yesterday, the Daily Post asked Hicks if he would be prepared to sell his shares if the price was right?

A spokesman for Hicks came back with an unequivocal answer: “Any suggestion that Messrs Hicks and Gillett are contemplating a sale of the club or any portion thereof to DIC or anyone else is categorically untrue.”

Last night, fans writing on forums appeared to welcome the involvement of DIC and said it showed there was a rift between the Americans – with many calling for Hicks to sell up.

This week, the Texan incurred the wrath of fans after admitting that he had met with Jurgen Klinsmann to discuss the possibility of the German taking over if Rafael Benitez were to leave the club.

Over the past few days, it has become clear that DIC never gave up hope of owning the club.

DIC chief executive and chairman Sameer al-Ansari, a lifelong Liverpool fan, is believed to be at the forefront of the new moves.

It was the 44-year-old Loughborough University-educated financier who was the prime mover in last January’s failed bid, working on behalf of the real power behind DIC, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum.

A year ago, then-chairman David Moores changed his mind at the last minute with DIC expecting to clinch a deal, and opted instead to sell to the Americans.

But Al-Ansari has maintained close links with Liverpool, and in particular chief executive Rick Parry, and still attends matches regularly with members of his family.

Al-Ansari has also recently been linked with Sir Richard Branson’s move to take over Northern Rock.

Reports yesterday said a DIC offer towards Hicks was being prepared, but a spokesman for the company said: “We do not comment on market speculation or rumours.”

It also comes as Hicks and Gillett are in the process of trying to refinancing the £270m debt taken on when they acquired the club in February 2007.

The new £350m loan would include £60m to get work on the new stadium started and £25m to cover the cost of last summer’s signings.

Liverpool FC last night declined to comment.

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davidbartlett