US entrepreneur pulls out of Derby County deal
Chris Kirchner, the US businessman who seemed on the verge of taking control of Derby County just two weeks ago, has withdrawn his offer to buy the stricken club.
Despite this, the joint administrators from Quantuma has said they are in negotiations with a “growing number” of interested parties looking to take over the Club – and that they are running a competitive bidding process in order to reach a sale.
A spokesperson on behalf of Quantuma said: “The joint administrators can confirm that today, Mr Kirchner has withdrawn his offer to acquire the business and assets of the Club.
“We are aware that some will be concerned by this news, however, the joint administrators wish to reassure the Club’s staff, players and supporters that they are continuing to actively engage with a growing number of interested parties, each of whom have a real willingness to complete a deal as soon as possible.
“The joint administrators would remind all stakeholders of the process in place for those parties who wish to acquire the Club. The joint administrators are running a competitive bidding process. Bids should be best and final and not contain any referential element. Clearly, any bid is subject to interested parties entering into an NDA, accessing the data room, and undertaking their own due diligence. Of the parties we are engaging with, some are more progressed in this process than others.”
An EFL spokesperson said: “Following receipt of notification that Mr Kirchner has formally withdrawn from the process to purchase Derby County Football Club, the League reiterates its commitment, made over the weekend, to work proactively alongside the administrators of the Club as they continue to engage with a number of interested parties, so that the objective of concluding a sale is achieved at the earliest possible opportunity.”
