Mystery buyer linked to Blues takeover

A NEW potential buyer has entered the fray as Birmingham City FC continues its hunt for a new owner.

It is understood Blues – currently struggling in the Championship – have been approached by a sports management company representing a consortium interested in purchasing the club.

Birmingham International Holdings Limited (BIHL), the company that owns the club, said they were approached on 23 and 31 January by the unnamed group.
However it is unclear who the latest bidder is.

In a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange, BIHL said: “The company has been formally approached on 23 January 2013 and 31 January 2013 by a sports management company, who has indicated that it will be able to lead a consortium which will consider the purchase of Birmingham City Football Club Plc, (the) company’s subsidiary.

“The company’s lawyers are currently in contact with the interested party with the view to clarifying matters of this approach.”

Blues revealed last May that it was seeking new investors.

The club has failed to publish its financial figures for the past two years, and major shareholder Carson Yeung is awaiting trial in Hong Kong having been charged with money laundering.

Former QPR chairman Gianni Paladini has previously been linked to a move to take over the club.