Sevilla have rejected a takeover bid from a group of investors led by former team captain Sergio Ramos.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, the Andalusian club’s leaders considered the proposal unacceptable and the worst offer they have ever received.
“It’s the worst offer we’ve ever received. They wanted to buy Sevilla for 100 million euros,” club sources are quoted as saying to Marca.
The Spanish newspaper emphasizes that, despite the statements made by Luis Carrion after the meeting held at the Sevilla Center Hotel, the new offer presented by Ramos’ group was completely different from the previous agreement between the parties.
Under the agreement signed in January, the buyer agreed to acquire 85 percent of the club’s shares for 275 million euros, while also assuming a debt of 85 million euros and a recapitalization of 80 million euros. In total, the operation was worth 440 million euros.
However, the latest proposal envisaged investing only 100 million euros for the purchase of 32 thousand shares, representing around 18 percent of the club after the recapitalization.
This formula would leave out of the deal the rest of Sevilla’s shareholders, who own around 54 thousand shares.
According to Marca, the group led by Sergio Ramos then planned an additional recapitalization of 120 million euros, which would provide them with around 42 percent of the initial shares and practical control of the club.
With this move, they would acquire the majority of shares and would be able to carry out further capital increases, gradually reducing the influence of other shareholders in the club.
