Ripe for a take over?

H

Hammies_Tash

Active member
I’m out in the states doing some consultancy work for uk ‘soccer’ academy that runs scholarships directly in to MLS teams.
Went to a very interesting meeting today, can’t really divulge much about the attendees. But basically the working topic was US sports investment in UK clubs.
Middlesbrough was mentioned as one of the most attractive clubs for investment, single ownership, modern ground with room for extension and development, they reckon a 400k potential support base.

Doubts were cast about the training ground and proximity/ links to the hotel, could it be split? But this was balanced off against the land around the ground being cheap and easily a training complex could be added.

Price with premier league status = £200-£250m, championship status = £125 - £150m

It was eluded to that the current ownership had £120m loans to be repaid, so to buy as championship club was probably a none starter if the owner wanted the loans repaid. However as a premier league club then it was a deal that could be done. Loan paid off in full and owner receives additional £80-130m.

Boro we’re third most attractive investment behind Celtic & Rangers, they think that both will be included in the PL or expanded European league within the next 5 years, both are very cheap even compared to Boro.

Would Gibbo sell? I think he would if the right money came in and he thought it was in the best interests of the club
 
Hammies_Tash said:
I’m out in the states doing some consultancy work for uk ‘soccer’ academy that runs scholarships directly in to MLS teams.
Went to a very interesting meeting today, can’t really divulge much about the attendees. But basically the working topic was US sports investment in UK clubs.
Middlesbrough was mentioned as one of the most attractive clubs for investment, single ownership, modern ground with room for extension and development, they reckon a 400k potential support base.

Doubts were cast about the training ground and proximity/ links to the hotel, could it be split? But this was balanced off against the land around the ground being cheap and easily a training complex could be added.

Price with premier league status = £200-£250m, championship status = £125 - £150m

It was eluded to that the current ownership had £120m loans to be repaid, so to buy as championship club was probably a none starter if the owner wanted the loans repaid. However as a premier league club then it was a deal that could be done. Loan paid off in full and owner receives additional £80-130m.

Boro we’re third most attractive investment behind Celtic & Rangers, they think that both will be included in the PL or expanded European league within the next 5 years, both are very cheap even compared to Boro.

Would Gibbo sell? I think he would if the right money came in and he thought it was in the best interests of the club
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I think he would if he was guarantee to still be a part of the club somehow. President or something.

He must surely be looking at the medium to long term ownership of the club now or soon. Unless there is a plan in place.
 
I hope we don’t sell. We are never going to win the Premier League, so our best hope of trophies is via the cups (which is every clubs ambition in reality). I trust in Gibbo to get us to a point in the PL where we can realise winning something. Gibbo deserves some respect, to the point where if he decides to sell then so be it. If not, then I’m ok with that.

There are a few potentially big clubs that are ripe for investment with bigger support than ours….Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Sland. If Gibbo wanted to sell I would hate to think he was no longer part of the future.
 
Hammies_Tash said:
I’m out in the states doing some consultancy work for uk ‘soccer’ academy that runs scholarships directly in to MLS teams.
Went to a very interesting meeting today, can’t really divulge much about the attendees. But basically the working topic was US sports investment in UK clubs.
Middlesbrough was mentioned as one of the most attractive clubs for investment, single ownership, modern ground with room for extension and development, they reckon a 400k potential support base.

Doubts were cast about the training ground and proximity/ links to the hotel, could it be split? But this was balanced off against the land around the ground being cheap and easily a training complex could be added.

Price with premier league status = £200-£250m, championship status = £125 - £150m

It was eluded to that the current ownership had £120m loans to be repaid, so to buy as championship club was probably a none starter if the owner wanted the loans repaid. However as a premier league club then it was a deal that could be done. Loan paid off in full and owner receives additional £80-130m.

Boro we’re third most attractive investment behind Celtic & Rangers, they think that both will be included in the PL or expanded European league within the next 5 years, both are very cheap even compared to Boro.

Would Gibbo sell? I think he would if the right money came in and he thought it was in the best interests of the club
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I've said very similar on here before. As a prem club we would be very saleable, and Gibbo isn't going to be around for ever.
 
I don’t doubt we are prime for a takeover I’ve said that for years.

But you forget one thing, Gibson owns the stadium and he owns rockcliff the jewel in the boro crown gibbo dna runs through the club.

So no chance. Btw you don’t think he’s had offers.
 
Jedi boro said:
Not a chance
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Why not?

He can't run it forever. He hasn't got a bottomless pot of money. Maybes he has other things in life he wants to experience but can't whilst running a football club.

Eternally grateful for what he's done and continues to do but he isn't going to be around forever. He must surely know this too.
 
Randy said:
Why not?

He can't run it forever. He hasn't got a bottomless pot of money. Maybes he has other things in life he wants to experience but can't whilst running a football club.

Eternally grateful for what he's done and continues to do but he isn't going to be around forever. He must surely know this too.
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See my other post.

He isn’t just our chairman.
 
Lots of clubs were discussed - S’land & Leeds included, they all have complicated ownership - hedge funds, banks, individuals, difficult complicated deals to get over the line. Attraction for Boro is single ownership
 
Randy said:
I get that mate I do. But that doesn't change the fact that time runs out for all of us.
He knows this, he'd be foolish if he hasn't contemplated a sale.
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Successful businessmen always, ALWAYS have an exit plan. His pride and passion probably means he's wanted to control in the past, at some point the practicality of his ownership and energy to do what needs to be done will stall. He is technically a pensioner in 9 months, he can't keep going forever.
 
What's the benefit or perceived benefit of having a training ground in close proximity to the stadium?
 
As long as he has a potential family member who is very keen on Boro (his daughter albeit maybe without his business nous), and bulkhaul continues to be successful, I think it will take a lot for him to sell (and not just money). I hope he stays for another 20 years at least.
 
Super Bernie said:
Why mention this? Do you want to sell?
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I have mixed feelings, love Gibbo for what he’s done for the club. But does he have the spending power to make us even a mid table PL club? I don’t think he does. Also he’s 60+ now, still young but also at the point where he’s probably looking at winding down a bit
 
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