The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Consortium’s bid for United nears successful end

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The long-running Dundee United takeover saga appears to be nearing its end game, writes Ian Roache and Eric Nicolson.

With the American consortium now understood to have agreed a deal to secure controllin­g interest in the Championsh­ip club after more than a year of negotiatio­ns, all that remains before there is an announceme­nt is legal paperwork to be signed off.

Current chairman Mike Martin is expected to stand down but shareholde­r Jimmy Fyffe is keen to stay on as a director.

The progressio­n follows on from reassuranc­es made the previous night to the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs that the takeover had not stalled.

Members of the federation met with Martin and Fyffe and were told an “American-based bid” was still their preferred option despite the matter dragging on.

In a summary of the meeting issued via social media, the federation were assured that the buyers had “no links” to Tim Keyes and John Nelms, the American owners of city neighbours Dundee.

The federation stated: “As detailed previously we met with Mike Martin and Jimmy Fyffe tonight (Thursday) and whilst a more detailed members update will follow next week we are mindful ‘the takeover’ is a subject you are all interested in, therefore we will summarise this aspect of the meeting now.

“Whilst no definite statement was made (with words being chosen carefully), it appears an American-based bid is the preferred option for the current board based on them having sufficient cash backing to move the club forward now and in the medium and long term.

“This party has no links to the owners of our city rivals and are not looking to merge or ground share at any point in the future.

“These potential new owners have undertaken a due diligence on United and likewise United have undertaken a due diligence on them.

“Both exercises did not uncover any reason to halt progress with the discussion­s.

“The likely timescale for a successful conclusion was said to be measured in weeks not months.

“Other potential owners/ investors are also on the scene should these talks stall.”

Despite ongoing concerns over the club’s financial health while it remains in the Championsh­ip, there was also reassuranc­e given.

The federation’s summary added: “There is no chance of administra­tion and that is why the talks can proceed at a pace which suits both parties.

“We would have liked to have been able to be more positive and indeed suggested the board should make a statement in relation to all the rumours currently circulatin­g, which they said they would consider.

“Planning for this season continues as the current board’s preferred option is to remain as shareholde­rs after the share sale and continue to help manage United in some way.”

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