Bee admits interest in Milan shares
Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol confirmed yesterday he has held “cordial” talks with AC Milan about a possible share purchase but denied media reports he has made a formal takeover offer.
Rumours have swirled over the future of crisis-hit Milan following a slew of reports, primarily out of Italy and Thailand, saying Bee — the executive director of a southeast Asian private equity group — wanted to buy a 50 percent stake in the club.
Italian media have also reported that Chinese billionaire Wang Jianlin is interested in a majority takeover and is the favoured candidate of the embattled Serie A club’s owner and former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi.
In a statement issued yesterday, Bee said he wanted to “clarify some wrong or misleading information” that had appeared in the media.
“I do not deny the interest for a possible share acquisition into such a prestigious club such as AC Milan, but at the moment it’s only cordial and private discussions,” he said.
“No decision on both parts has been taken nor any agreement has been signed.”
Bee also denied speaking to Thai media, which had previously reported that the tycoon had confirmed he was looking to make a €1 billion (US$1.14 billion) offer for a majority holding in the club.
The latest reports from Italy claim media tycoon Berlusconi rejected a Singaporeanled bid to buy the club for €970 million ($1.1 billion).
But the reports added he might consider selling a minority stake if it came with a pledge to help build a new stadium.