£180 million. BFC

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:12 am

Report in today's Times Football Notebook that BFC have signed a non-disclosure agreement with unnamed US media companyAmerican. Club is valued at £180 million.

Other investor(s) also suggested to be taking a look.

Burnley official said last night that they are not actively looking to sell the club.

Is this good news for small shareholders? Fans?

UTC

Melbourneclaret · Post by **Melbourneclaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:18 am

We are worth far more than that. It’s absolute peanuts.

UpTheClaretsFCBK · Post by **UpTheClaretsFCBK** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:24 am

I would’ve thought assets alone are probably worth £180million, squad and ground / training ground.

That’s without potential earnings from the PL being taken into consideration.

cockneyclaret · Post by **cockneyclaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:25 am

It would only be a matter of time untill someone shows some real interest.
With no debts, a football ground and another season basically guaranteed in the top flight we tick many boxes..
Just hope they don't change our name to burnsley!

IAmAClaret · Post by **IAmAClaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:34 am

Full article from the times:

Burnley are the subject of a £180 million takeover attempt from rival American and Middle Eastern investors. The Times has learnt that the club have signed a non-disclosure agreement with a US media company and prepared a prospectus for several other groups, including one from the Middle East.

Negotiations are at a very early stage and Burnley have yet to identify a preferred bidder, but their valuation is seen as attractive by investors as the club’s Premier League status is not threatened this season and, with the next domestic television deal largely agreed, most of the club’s revenue streams are secure for the next four years. Burnley are the only Premier League club with majority British owners as well as an English manager in Sean Dyche, but are open to capitalising on their best season for decades by seeking fresh investment.

Any sale would be complicated by the club’s ownership structure, with the chairman Mike Garlick, the majority shareholder, having 49.3 per cent, the former chairman John Banaszkiewicz having a 27.5 per cent stake and the rest owned by small shareholders. Burnley officials insisted last night that they are not actively looking to sell the club.

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:35 am

Our manager alone is worth £180+million!

JohnMac · Post by **JohnMac** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:41 am

£180m is a drop in the ocean. Middle Eastern interest, probably Syria

wickdkewlclaret · Post by **wickdkewlclaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:10 am

I really hope we don't 'sell out'.

wickdkewlclaret · Post by **wickdkewlclaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:10 am

I really hope we don't 'sell out'.

BurningBeard · Post by **BurningBeard** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:16 am

You can say that again.

HatfieldClaret · Post by **HatfieldClaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:21 am

Burnley Tigers, nah

Burnley Whingers has a ring to it.....

claretlegend · Post by **claretlegend** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:35 am

Nooooo! Leave the club as it is.

Walt · Post by **Walt** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:37 am

This story has already been dampened. There's a lot to be said about our current set up in terms of fans on the board and it being everyone's ideal long term set up. However, to progress I feel a deal of this sort will happen in the relatively near future.

We have done fantastically well, but even the most optimistic of fans couldnt suggest we'd be a regular top 10 side working with our current budgets. Money doesn't guarantee success and foreign ownership can turn bad very quickly but it's the only way forward long term in my opinion. I'd love it if we could maintain our position without change but I just can't see it.

We'll have to hope we pick the right one with good intentions when it does happen.

martin_p · Post by **martin_p** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:42 am

This is the most disturbing thing I’ve read on here for a while!

Walt · Post by **Walt** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:47 am

Pre season Garlick said in his interview he's give serious financial input the attention it deserves. Can't recall verbatim but it was along those lines.

Having to sell is a mere spec on the horizon, so we're in a position of strength to cautiously assess any form of approach. We also have a group of life long supporters making that call so on that basis you'd have more confidence about selecting a buyer.

There's no way they'll see profits on their investment purely because someone rocks up with the biggest bank balance. A profit they definitely deserve to make too in my opinion as they've put their money in and led us to success beyond anything we could have dreamt of in the last 5 years.

agreenwood · Post by **agreenwood** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:50 am

A few years ago this would have been exciting news.

I’m not so sure now. I like the fact that we’ve achieved what we have without major investment and I like the stability our approach has brought.

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:52 am

Just have a look down the motorway to see how it can all turn
out if poorly handled.

Not for me.

pureclaret · Post by **pureclaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 8:58 am

The initial offer is for Burnley metropolis with further add ons once declared a city

martin_p · Post by **martin_p** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:04 am

I like the fact that we’re different. A traditional club kicking against the notion that you have to have a big investor to be successful. I like the fact that Burnley still feels like the same club it was when I started going to the Turf in the mid-seventies. Think I’d prefer us to achieve the level of success we can just being Burnley, whatever that may be.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:06 am

Does this mean we can finally buy David Reeves???

Lord Beamish · Post by **Lord Beamish** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:11 am

Neither Fortress nor Maidenhead will hold out for long once they begin to Parley.

jtv · Post by **jtv** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:13 am

martin_p wrote:I like the fact that we’re different. A traditional club kicking against the notion that you have to have a big investor to be successful. I like the fact that Burnley still feels like the same club it was when I started going to the Turf in the mid-seventies. Think I’d prefer us to achieve the level of success we can just being Burnley, whatever that may be.

Agree 200%

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:13 am

What are they going to rename the stadium? There`s one in Miyagi, Japan called the Kleenex Stadium. Talk about tempting fate!

Dark Cloud · Post by **Dark Cloud** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:15 am

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

CaptJohn · Post by **CaptJohn** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:20 am

Anyone know how many shares are in circulation and if the valuation figure is correct, what does that value each share at?

thelaughingclaret · Post by **thelaughingclaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:24 am

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:26 am

We don't need foreign investment, we've managed so far without it.
Garlick and Co must understand the danger of foreign ownership, and hopefully won't be tempted to sell us down the river.

Football is, should be, a non profit sport. With all revenue re invested in the clubs.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:26 am

Do the new potential owners realise we can drop out of the Top 8?

Turfytop · Post by **Turfytop** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:27 am

Understand people's concerns, but these directors we have aren't going to be here forever

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:28 am

And we'll just end up changing managers 2-3 times per season, just like other Premier league clubs.

No thanks. I'm happy just as the way they are.

HiroshimaClaret · Post by **HiroshimaClaret** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:29 am

HatfieldClaret wrote:Burnley Tigers, nah

Burnley Whingers has a ring to it.....

The Dingles?

TVC15 · Post by **TVC15** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:44 am

CaptJohn wrote:Anyone know how many shares are in circulation and if the valuation figure is correct, what does that value each share at?

I doubt it’s been valued in that way. Our shares have different classification but as far as I understand it the only ones worth anything are the shares owned by the likes of Garlick, John B, other directors, etc.

The £180m value will be based on assets together with the value of our Premier League status and the income that comes with this. The way a football club is valued is pretty unique as there will be a big element of “potential” factored in.

If we got relegated and can’t get back up everything changes - what would we be worth then ? £30m ?

Like most (probably all) Burnley fans would not like to see this happen. Big reason behind our current success is the ownership structure of the club - struggling to see any benefits from being taken over.

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:52 am

The Board and what they have done, should surely warrant a little faith in them making the right decision for Burnley Football Club.

It’s certainly something we shouldn’t just dismiss out of hand. We do need investment but not at the expense of the values that have served us so well.

How can we guarantee that a new owner buys into what we do and isn’t some trigger happy fool with little understanding of football and more importantly, Burnley?

It’s a path that needs to be tread very carefully.

Bfcboyo · Post by **Bfcboyo** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:55 am

This is a local club for local people.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:56 am

Burnley is as close to a club of the people that you can get nowadays. I could not contemplate that being lost, even though I like chicken! Look what happened down the road.

Belial · Post by **Belial** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:00 am

Just think though, in ten years when we win the premier league we can be world champions...

bodge · Post by **bodge** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:00 am

Ideally we want a half way house scenario where the investment comes in but the club is still run by Mike Garlick/Dave Baldwin i.e don't sell more than 50% of the shares and let them be main sponsors and have some naming rights.

I'm sure overseas investors would want the full monty though if they are putting serious cash in.

Happy with how things are, keeping the manager is integral to our future as opposed to input from outside.

bfcjg · Post by **bfcjg** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:03 am

It will be the end of our unique club and we should fight it.

ashtonlongsider · Post by **ashtonlongsider** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:07 am

Without wishing to sound xenophobic surely part of our attraction is being owned and run by club supporters and managed by an Englishman. This must add some credence to the English PL. I've nothing against investment as long as it doesn't affect our identity.

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:09 am

You only have to look at a club like Swansea to see what happens when it starts to go wrong.

The American owners wanted an American manager, and got an inexperienced boss in Bob Bradley.

They soon had to get rid and are now stuck in the managerial merry-go-round.

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:11 am

Spijed wrote:You only have to look at a club like Swansea to see what happens when it starts to go wrong.

The American owners wanted an American manager, and got an inexperienced boss in Bob Bradley.

They soon had to get rid and are now stuck in the managerial merry-go-round.

He was experienced, it’s just he was rubbish.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:12 am

Look at Reading....

Devils_Advocate · Post by **Devils_Advocate** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:16 am

Cant see it happening but would obviously be excellent news and brilliant for the future of the club if it did

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:25 am

Devils_Advocate wrote:Cant see it happening but would obviously be excellent news and brilliant for the future of the club if it did

Why?

What if the new owners didn't like Sean Dyche's style of play for example?

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:33 am

And West Brom have got foreign owners...

Blackrod · Post by **Blackrod** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:38 am

Valuation would normally reflect a multiple of income stream. As we have no debt and own assets this valuation is too low.

As mentioned above the Directors will not be around forever and there is no guarantee there is a 'local' backer wealthy enough to sustain what we have. Why shouldn't they exit at the best time for BFC and themselves ?

It is incredible what we have achieved but if we stick to the local club for local people mantra we have to accept we can't dine at the top table indefinately.

Funkydrummer · Post by **Funkydrummer** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:41 am

I don't want us to "buy" success - I am so proud of the way we have achieved our current
success, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

If it happens, I am pretty sure that I will pack it in and go watch Rugby League full time.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:47 am

Spijed wrote:And West Brom have got foreign owners...

As have chelsea, man city, arsenal, man utd and leicester. I.e. the only 5 clubs to win the league this century.

The suspicion and and fear burnley fans treat change is hilarious.

The burnley board would do their due dilligence. We are relatively risk averse. And that would come into play when selecting investors.

Garlick and co wont throw away their legacy for a few quid.

This type of investment could be the thing that takes us up to the next level.

We are in a far different situation and times to when Rovers and co were taken over.

jojomk1 · Post by **jojomk1** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:51 am

Any foreign investment does not mean the directors have to necessarily give up outright ownership of the club - indeed there are countless examples of where outright ownership has been a disaster
I am confident that, if any moves down this road are made, the directors will still have the best interests of the club and it's supporters uppermost in their thoughts

Dyched · Post by **Dyched** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:52 am

It will happen sooner or later. It could go the way of Rovers but tbh there fans will be having a good crack visiting grounds they haven’t been to for a few number of years. Get up, survive and they’ve just a good a chance of anyone to get back to the PL.

Or look at City. It will be obviously different here. Citys funny because of how much **** theyd taken off Utd down they years. Im sure I wont enjoy it that much tbh. Its all to polished at the top.

Or we get a couple extra signings a season, to really push us on. We havent won in 11 yet remain 7th and only 8 behind arsenal.

Its only football. Its irrelevant where we are. We meet friends have a beer, have a laugh. Whether were playing barca or barnet