British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made the first move in the takeover process of Manchester United.
Yesterday, news broke that the Ineos billionaire will be in the bidding process to take over the reins at Old Trafford.
Through a spokesperson, Ratcliffe declared his desire to own his boyhood club and finally bring the Glazer era to an end.
It was also relayed that the 71-year-old’s people held talks with United chiefs and the Glazers just hours before they made their announcement.
Ratcliffe is not new to football club ownership and administration. Ineos own a French club – OGC Nice.
There has been speculation as to how Ratcliffe would go about owning both United and Nice should he succeed in his efforts to purchase the 20-time English champions.
UEFA laws would prevent the Red Devils from facing OGC Nice in European competitions.
However, this has not put a dampener on OGC Nice club chiefs’ hopes of forging a partnership with United which is one of the biggest football clubs in the world.
L’Equipe relays, “Even in the event of the success of Ineos in the takeover of Manchester United, OGC Nice will not be impacted.”
“Those managing the French side say they are pleased that Nice could eventually become a springboard or bridge club for Manchester United.”
🚨💰 NEW:
Even in the event of success of Ineos in the takeover of Manchester United, OGC Nice will not be impacted.” Those managing the French side say they are ‘pleased that Nice could eventually become a springboard or bridge club for Manchester United’. @lequipe #MUFC 🔴✅
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) January 18, 2023
There’s however still a long way to go before that possibility becomes a reality.
Another update on Ratcliffe’s takeover efforts is that at the moment, they do not involve seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton is not currently involved in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s #mufc‘s bid [@PhilDuncanF1]
— utdreport (@utdreport) January 18, 2023
Hamilton has in the past stated his admiration for Ratcliffe and confirmed their common business interests which at some point may include a takeover of United.
