Liverpool FC have agreed to a £470 million ($925.3 million) takeover offer by American tycoons George Gillet JR and Tom Hicks, the club said in a statement on Tuesday. "Liverpool FC today announced that the board has agreed the terms of an offer for the club from Mr. George Gillet and Mr. Tom Hicks," the statement read. The American duo agreed on sharing cost equally setting about £175 million for shares in the club, £80 million to cover the £45 million club debt and about £215 million for a new stadium. "Liverpool is a fantastic club with a remarkable history and a passionate fanbase," read a joint statement issued by the new owners. "The Hicks family and the Gillett family are extremely excited about continuing the club's legacy and tradition. Gillett, who is the owner of Montreal Canadiens, had a solo bid to takeover the club but had initial plans to share the costs of Liverpool's new stadium with neighbors and city rivals Everton.
U.S tycoon Malcolm Glazer, owner of Manchester United His bid was almost turned down because of the stadium plans till Hicks, who owns NHL ice hockey team the Dallas Stars and MLB baseball team the Texas Rangers, chipped in to seal the deal. The pair confirmed that current Liverpool chairman David Moores and chief executive Rick Parry will stay with the club. "We are particularly pleased that David Moores and Rick Parry will have a continuing involvement in the club. For us continuity and stability are keys to the future," the statement added. Parry will continue doing his role while Moores will be an honorary life president. "This is great for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders - it is the beginning of a new era for the club," said Parry. "They have made clear their intention to move as quickly as practicable on the financing and construction of our proposed new stadium at Stanley Park and also to support investment in the playing squad." Liverpool's swoop is the latest foreign raid on Premiership clubs after Chelsea, Manchester United, Portsmouth and West Ham United were taken over by foreign investors.
