US businessman named as preferred bidder for Derby County

US businessman Chris Kirchner looks set to be the new owner of Derby County.

Administrator Quantuma has issued a statement this morning (April 6) saying that “following a rigorous and well-documented marketing process, [we] have accepted an offer from Chris Kirchner to acquire Derby County Football Club out of administration”.

Kirchner is the 34-year-old founder of a global logistics chain. He first bid for the Rams in December, but pulled out of the race on Christmas Eve. However, he has returned with a fresh bid that will bring the club out of administration.

A statement from Quantuma said: “The bid is for the purchase of the football club only with the terms of the club’s ongoing occupation of Pride Park stadium to be negotiated with external stakeholders. Mr Kirchner had initially expressed an interest in acquiring the club in late 2021; and the joint administrators have welcomed Mr Kirchner’s renewed interest.

“Discussions have taken place with key stakeholders, and Mr Kirchner has been named as the preferred bidder for the Club, with immediate effect.

The joint administrators have entered into a period of exclusivity with Mr Kirchner and his advisers, during which further operational, commercial and contractual discussions will take place.”

Carl Jackson, joint administrator, said, “We are delighted to be able to name Mr Kirchner as preferred bidder, which the Joint Administrators consider represents the best deal for creditors and one which will secure the long-term future of the Club.

“The naming of our preferred bidder represents a significant milestone in the administration, and we look forward to working with Mr Kirchner and his team to complete the sale of the Club.

A statement from the EFL said: ” Following Derby County entering administration in September 2021, the EFL has been focused on ensuring that there is a long-term future for the Club.

“Now that the League has been advised of the preferred bidder status by the administrators, we await details of the formal proposals and once in receipt, these will be reviewed in line with EFL requirements.

“This process will allow us to understand what hurdles may still need to be overcome before matters can move forward that are in the best interests of the Club, its fans and community.”