US entrepreneur pulls out of race to buy Derby County
US entrepreneur Chris Kirchner has pulled out of the race to buy stricken Derby County.
The move comes as administrators from Quantuma said they weren’t likely to name a preferred bidder this side of Christmas.
Posting on social media, Kirchner, the 34-year-old founder of a global logistics chain who had made several trips to watch the Rams play, said: “It is with real sadness that I can confirm I am withdrawing from the process to buy Derby County Football Club.
“First and foremost, I would like to apologise to the fans. As you know, I’ve been in talks with the administrators for about two months.
“Two weeks ago, I made a formal offer to buy the club. I believe I presented a very detailed, generous and ambitious long-term sustainable business plan. It included purchasing the stadium, future funding and maintaining the academy’s status. We improved that offer further today.
“I wanted to agree a deal that I thought was in the best interests of all parties but, unfortunately, the last 24 hours has proven that just isn’t possible. So it is with deep regret that I must now stand aside and let the administrators pursue their own course.”
Carl Jackson from Quantuma said: “We understand and respect the frustrations of all involved in Derby County Football Club, and in particular the supporters, that quicker progress has not been made.
“But we want to reassure all those stakeholders that we are trying to go as quickly as possible.”
The Rams are bottom of the Championship after being hammered by a 21 point deduction. Quatuma says it hopes to complete a deal to sell the club by February.
