Glazer family consider options as final Man Utd takeover deadline approaches
The Glazer family are considering their options in regards to their future at Manchester United, with the prospect of them staying on at the club a real possibility, 90min understands.
United's owners initiated a sale/investment process in November, with American bank Raine Group handling the offers and bids.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani of Qatar has fronted a bid to take complete control of the club, while British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also looking for a total takeover.
Al Thani, who insists that the bid is not directly linked to the Qatari government, has launched the move through his Nine Two Foundation. As for Ineos owner Ratcliffe, he has secured funding for a bid via American banks Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.
Though full takeover offers have been invited, it was always stressed by the Glazers that they were also considering investment opportunities which would see minority stakes become available. That prospect has seen a number of interested parties emerge including Elliot Investment Management, Ares Management Corporation, Sixth Street Partners and The Carlyle Group.
90min has been told that co-chairman Joel and Avram Glazer are ready to push the investment option in addition to considering the offers to sell. If the brothers do stay, it is believed other members of the family who are also on the board, could depart.
Read more on Man Utd's proposed takeover
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It is understood that a minimum purchase price of £6bn has been set by Joel and Avram, however, 90min has been told there is also belief within the family that United could soon be worth £10bn and they are not sure that now is the right time to sell.
The Glazers are part of the process that is due to approve the new world record sale of a sports club/franchise: the NFL's Washington Commanders, who are about to change hands for just over $6bn (£5bn).
As owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers they have to approve any new owners in the league, and American sources believe the price backs up the Glazers' notion that United are worth more than their initial £6bn asking price.
As it stands the bidding process, which began in February, has entered it's third round and the final deadline is April 28. At this point Raine Group will present the options to the Glazers, who will then decide how they want to proceed.
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