If Ecclestone was counting on buying that 14.5% of Arsenal in any potential takeover, then the unavailability of those shares may have helped him decide to go ahead and invest in W12.
Yeah, who knows? He may just be comfortable with Briatore. Or... we're also much cheaper! £75m for 14.5% of Arsenal. It'll be less than that for 100% of our club, our ground, and paying off all our debts... plenty left over for a start on a new ground or a redevelopment at HQ.
I really think that a future ground is the key to all of this. Who knows, Briatore and Ecclestone could have an angle on a new White City stadium that might perhaps bring in Fulham as a tenant. Although I don't see Fulham wanting that one bit. Or even some sort of arrangement that benefits both clubs that includes other money making add-ons to the ground (hotel, retail, etc). Access to real estate in London is quite an asset.
Agreed. I could see a shared 50/50 ground in White City, though. And I could see one that, with the right development along with it, could be better for both clubs than their current situations. That said, let's hope we don't head toward Fulham Park Rangers again. If the R's have to leave LR to get a bigger ground, I think I'd be okay with it if it was in White City -- Walking distance from the Bush, lots of other development going on around there, new Wood Lane tube stop coming soon (although I believe that's between the White City and to-be-renamed Shepherds Bush Market ones), etc. More on the Wood Lane/Shepherds Bush/White City developments here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/stationsandinterchanges/4752.aspx Also, I wonder how the Briatore/Fayed relationship is, or if there is one -- people have noted on other message boards that Briatore's UK offices are in Harrod's, but that doesn't necessary mean they even know each other.
Nothing official (STILL), but multiple sources are reporting that the Briatore/Ecclestone deal is done! Really, the biggest proof of that is in the purchase of Leigertwood, but here's what the BBC had to say... Formula 1 bosses agree QPR deal
To repeat, just because I'm sure we all love reading it: Flavio Briatore: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the Board of QPR for our bid for the Club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team. "We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fan base that it has; we are therefore totally committed to bringing future success back to the Club. "Gianni, Bernie and I are all determined to see the Club return to the Premiership as soon as possible."
Briatore wants Premiership football within four years. I'd be okay with that. http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~1105608,00.html
let's see someone with a real pedigree purchase the club. We aren't desperate for the dosh and our history ain't for sale.
This is not accurate. The taxman had to be paid. ABC had to be paid. Others had to be paid. Caliendo and Zanotti were not willing to put any more money into the club. Paladini doesn't have the money. Where was it going to come from? New investment was absolutenly necessary when it came. On the 2006 rich list Ecclestone was "only" the 13th richest person in Britain, down from a high of 3rd, and has experience turning a profit in sport. Briatore, while nowhere near as wealthy, has also been successful in multiple businesses, including in sport. Were there options with more experience in football willing to buy the club? Ridsdale and Bates are already running clubs. I disagree with you on this, but welcome to the QPR board on Big Soccer.
Looks like I need to pick up the slack with Atouk off to London for the match tomorrow. Today's developments are mostly on the financial side. They're a little dry, but important nonetheless... Official Site And this seems to slightly noteworthy in the business world... Forbes
According to this new article on the official site, the new ownership group now either owns or has received valid acceptances to their offer for 69.51% of the shares of the club. That offer is now closed. I believe I've read elsewhere that, with the majority of the shares, the new owners intend to vote to create new shares and "sell" them to themselves in return for investment in the club, so their overall percentage will go up as more shares are issued and "sold" only to them.