US firm ‘in talks’ for Rams

AMERICAN private investment firm Carlisle Capital are reportedly “in talks” with Derby County’s joint administrators over a deal to buy the club.

They are said to be one of about five parties who are weighing up bids for the Rams.

Crucially, the five are believed to be “sufficiently credible”, according to the reports, that Quantuma, the Rams’ administrators, are willing to “pursue meaningful discussions” over the future of the club.

It is apparently unclear at this stage whether plans are in place for Carlisle to make a formal bid but the interest is said to have existed before the club entered administration last month.

Derby have been in administration for over a fortnight and recent reports claimed that three interested parties had “shown the funds” as part of their interest.

This most recent speculation, from Sky News, is the first to name a prospective buyer since the club went into administration.

The Sky report claimed Carlisle Capital have enlisted the advice of “prominent sports advisory firm” Oakwell Advisory over their interest in the Rams.

Carlisle were established in 1984 by the Binnie family in Boston and have investments in media and real estate across the United States.

According to their website, they own a portfolio “significantly in excess of 1,000,000+ square feet” that includes Mcdonald’s hospitality space.

The club’s joint administrators said on Monday that there is “a lot of interest” in the club, some of which comes from previously engaged parties and “most retain an ongoing interest” in the club.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail has claimed that the Rams have opened talks with HM Revenue and Customs over reducing the club’s tax debt.

The club are said to owe HMRC £28m. The Rams also owe £15m to MSD Holdings, as seen in their accounts published on Companies House earlier this week.

The remaining creditors are said to be football related.