The Carlyle Group has emerged as a potential new bidder for Manchester United, as the ongoing sale of the English Premier League club goes to a third round, with rival bids from former Qatar prime minister Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and interest from US activist hedge fund Elliott Management, still in the frame.
According to a report by the BBC, Carlyle’s pitch would involve purchasing a stake in the club rather than merely providing financing.
The process to explore “strategic alternatives” for the club began in November, when the Glazer family, who bought the club for £790 million in 2005, announced they were considering selling.
The Glazers have established a valuation of between £5-6 billion, and have tasked New York-headquartered investment bank the Raine Group to oversee the sale process. It is not clear whether the Glazer family will sell the club or retain control.
Interested parties have been asked to submit a third round of proposals by the end of this month.
