Tuesday 26 January 2010

Tom Hick's Investment Merry-Go-Round

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It was reported in the press this morning that Tom Hicks is close to selling his baseball team, The Texas Rangers. The fee said to have been paid by the buyer is $500 million dollars (£310 million pounds). The question of course is, will any of it be reinvested in Liverpool Football Club? I guess the obvious answer is No. You see Tom, has little or no interest in the club and a further injection of cash from him appears to be something that the Liverpool supporter can only dream about.
A statement was released over the weekend by the parent company, Hicks Sports Group stating that an agreement had been reached with a consortium headed by Nolan Ryan. He is a former pitcher, who is now the president of Rangers and Chick Greenberg, a Pittsburgh attorney. Due to the problems that Tom Hicks has caused with his lack of business sense in running the Texas Rangers they are waiting on the approval of the Major League Football Association and the 40 other financial institutions . Between them, it appears that they are owed £525 million by Tom Hicks and his companies.
A statement was issued by Tom Hicks when asked about the deal and he is quoted as saying. "Together, we have worked exhaustively since last month to attain the agreement." It is a complex business deal that positions the franchise for the future.

The following statement was issued on behalf of Chick Greenberg and the consortium. "Nolan and I greatly appreciate Tom Hicks's willingness to work beyond the deadline and his support for passing the torch from the Hicks family to our group." "His actions speak eloquently to his commitment to serve the best interests of Rangers and the Community."
The deal which is expected to be completed by the end of April is it appears highly unlikely to have any bearing on Tom Hick's position at Anfield. Liverpool Football Club under the stewardship of Christian Purslow is now in the mist of looking at possible new investment for the club which will help to reduce the £236 million of debt that has been built by Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
I spent a lot of time, several weeks ago searching around the internet and came across several articles outlining the debt and the problems that Tom Hicks appears to have building around him. I know that several of the companies have given him until the end of August to clear his debts or they will consider going for bankruptcy. I guess that is where the bulk of the funds will be going once the cheque has been signed. I also came across what I suppose you would call a head office balance sheet of all his wheeling and dealing in the business world - I will be honest to say that I was shocked and wondered how he managed to raise the finance to invest in Liverpool Football Club.
That though does not answer the question of will he or won't he place further investment within the club. This will of course depend on whether there are any funds left to play with but I guess the answer that every Liverpool Supporter will give if asked is NO.
@'Liverpool Banter'

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