The Manchester United sale may be nearing to an end after months of a bidding war between Sheikh Jassim and Jim Ratcliffe.
The Red Devils takeover is “heading towards the end game,” according to Reuters writer Anirban Sen, with the Glazers seeing Sheikh Jassim‘s proposal “more favorably.”
Two distinct bidders, two distinct approaches
While the bids are likely to be similar in number, the entities behind them are looking for different things. Sheikh Jassim is hoping to purchase the entire club, whilst Ratcliffe is merely seeking a majority stake.
There are several disparities in background and business expertise between the two bidders. Ratcliffe, a native of the United Kingdom, is well-known not only in the United Kingdom, but also in the corporate world. He made the majority of his fortune and notoriety by launching the international chemicals company Ineos. He is also no stranger to the football world, as he owns both OGC Nice and FC Lausanne-Sport.
Sheikh Jassim, on the other hand, is hardly known outside of Qatar and has little information accessible about him. He is a member of the Qatari royal family and the chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank.
Sheikh Jassim’s bid wins out.
Many Manchester United fans are hoping for a swift resolution to the takeover discussions, which have been underway for months. According to The Guardian, Sheikh Jassim’s current offer is his sixth and final offer.
With the Glazers looking favorably on his proposal, it looks that the Qatari investor will soon get his hands on the Red Devils. According to Reuters, the offer would be the largest club sale in football history, outbidding Todd Boehly’s Chelsea acquisition by about £500 million.
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