Chelsea takeover: Ricketts family & Kenneth Griffin to make combined offer

Hedge fund manager Kenneth Griffin and the Ricketts family - the owners of the Chicago Cubs MLB franchise - are set to launch a joint bid to buy Chelsea.

There are believed to be 200 investors keeping tabs on the Blues' situation, and interested parties need to submit their proposals before Friday.

And it has been confirmed that a 'blockbuster' bid from a consortium fronted by multibillionaire Griffin and the Ricketts family will be submitted prior to that deadline.

"The Ricketts Family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, can confirm they will be leading an investment group that will make a formal bid for Chelsea Football Club this Friday," a spokesperson revealed to Sky News on Wednesday.

"As long-time operators of an iconic professional sports team, the Ricketts Family and their partners understand the importance of investing for success on the pitch, while respecting the traditions of the club, the fans and the community.

"We look forward to sharing further details of our plans in due course."

The Ricketts family have overseen a successful period in the history of the Cubs, who won their first World Series in over 100 years in 2016, while Griffin is estimated to be worth over $26bn by Forbes - more than any other reported interested individual - though has never been involved in sports investment before.

Meanwhile, Ghanaian gold mine owner Bernard Antwi Boasiako has expressed his interest in buying Chelsea, referencing the club's influence and significance in Africa as reasons behind a potential bid .

"Bernard Antwi Boasiako is exploring a potential offer for Chelsea. Discussions with various parties involved in the sale have taken place," a spokesperson for Boasiako told the Daily Mail.

"Chelsea has a lasting legacy in Africa, players like Didier Drogba and Michael Essien are legends of the club; the opportunity to enhance the club's reputation in Africa is a very tempting prospect.

"Restoring stability and ensuring there are no job losses are among the priorities."



Source : 90min