Man Utd takeover: Raine Group and Sheikh Jassim set for talks

Jacque Talbot

• 16 May 2023 11:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United bidder Sheikh Jassim, as well as Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are set for talks with Raine Group later this week.

The two parties are hoping to clinch a stake in the Premier League club - the Qatar group are hoping for a full-scale takeover while Ratcliffe is wanting to buy an initial 50 per cent of Man Utd with a view to increasing the stake over the next few years.

The Glazers have held a majority of Man Utd - and have been in control for 18 years.

The takeover has rumbled on since November last year. There have been three rounds of bids so far - and even reports that the Qatari group will look to make a stunning fourth bid in the 11th hour.

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Now journalist Ben Jacobs has spoken about the process, saying that both groups are set for talks with Raine Group later this week.

It came after Avram Glazer was spotted in London at Claridges, a hotel owned by Sheikh Jassim.

The reporter wrote online: “Understand Avram Glazer being at Claridges is a red herring. Important verbal back and forth with both Nine Two Foundation and Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected this week. Both parties are now talking to Raine Group. Should Qatar increase their final offer it is not expected to be disclosed. Talks are more fluid and the formal offer deadlines are gone. Nine Two Foundation remain confident they are not out the race.

NDAs holding matters up

“Should Qatar increase their final offer it is not expected to be disclosed. Talks are more fluid and the formal offer deadlines are gone. Nine Two Foundation remain confident they are not out the race.

“Ratcliffe's latest contact with Raine was over technical details surrounding his final offer. Raine were effectively asking questions and that communication should not be misconstrued as a 'negotiation' as of now. That will obviously change if INEOS become preferred bidder.”