Rams can look ahead after selling
DERBY’S future appears to have been secured with the sale of Pride Park to a local property developer, which hopes to complete a takeover of the club.
The Rams have been in administration since September last year and fears over their future increased last week when American businessman Chris Kirchner withdrew his offer to buy the club.
But joint administrators Quantuma have announced they have accepted an interim loan from Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments Ltd, who, having confirmed they have purchased Pride Park, will submit a formal offer to buy the club yesterday.
Clowes said in a statement: “Derbyshire-based property group, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, are proud to announce they have successfully purchased the company that owned Pride Park Stadium from fellow local businessman Mel Morris.
“Additionally, Clowes have issued an interim loan to the club which will enable Derby County to start the next season and trade whilst a deal to purchase the club is concluded.
“Clowes have also confirmed that they will, today, submit a bid to purchase Derby County Football Club.” Quantuma confirmed the sale of the club’s ground and said talks are ongoing with Clowes Developments. A spokeswoman on behalf of Quantuma said: “The joint administrators are very pleased to be able to confirm that following a period of negotiation, Derbyshire-based property group, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd (“Clowes”) has issued an interim loan to the club.
“This loan will allow the club to start the forthcoming season, and to continue to trade.
“The joint administrators welcome the earlier statement from Clowes, in which it was confirmed that a successful acquisition of the club’s stadium, Pride Park, completed on 17 June 2022 and they look forward to continuing positive discussions over the next day or so.
“All parties recognise the need to conclude a sale of the business and assets of the club, as a matter of urgency.”
Clowes expect the English Football League to initiate its owners and directors test once their bid has been submitted, the PA news agency understands.
A Clowes representative added: “We would like to take the opportunity to thank our respective teams of professional advisors who have helped us to successfully purchase the company that owned Pride Park Stadium, secure the loan agreement and confirm the submission of a bid to purchase the club.