What was Cortese's motivation...

[kpturner]

The Echo published a large article in which they interviewed Nicola Cortese about the takeover and how he convinced ML to do the deal etc, but does anyone know why or how Nicola Cortese got interested himself? What pushed his buttons? What (or who) motivated him to get involved and to embark on the aforementioned task of engaging ML?

 

In his interview he said "When this opportunity to acquire Southampton came along to me I immediately thought about Markus". How did the opportunity come to a Director of Banque Heritage in Geneva?

 

Maybe he is just a student of all things football and saw it in the press - or maybe he has links with somebody currently or previously involved with SFC? Was Andy Oldknow perhaps?

 

Any clues welcome.

Edited 11 July, 2009 by kpturner

[alpine_saint]

The Echo published a large article in which they interviewed Nicola Cortese about the takeover and how he convinced ML to do the deal etc, but does anyone know why or how Nicola Cortese got interested himself? What pushed his buttons? What (or who) motivated him to get involved and to embark on the aforementioned task of engaging ML?

 

In his interview he said "When this opportunity to acquire Southampton came along to me I immediately thought about Markus". How did the opportunity come to a Director of Banque Heritage in Geneva?

 

Maybe he is just a student of all things football and saw it in the press - or maybe he has links with some currently or previously involved with SFC? Was Andy Oldknow perhaps?

 

Any clues welcome.

 

 

I am interested in a distant fashion, but wont dwell on it - I am just thankful they came along.

[qwertySFC]

The Echo published a large article in which they interviewed Nicola Cortese about the takeover and how he convinced ML to do the deal etc, but does anyone know why or how Nicola Cortese got interested himself? What pushed his buttons? What (or who) motivated him to get involved and to embark on the aforementioned task of engaging ML?

 

In his interview he said "When this opportunity to acquire Southampton came along to me I immediately thought about Markus". How did the opportunity come to a Director of Banque Heritage in Geneva?

Maybe he is just a student of all things football and saw it in the press - or maybe he has links with some currently or previously involved with SFC? Was Andy Oldknow perhaps?

 

Any clues welcome.

 

 

Internet and newspapers would be a good start

[kpturner]

I am interested in a distant fashion, but wont dwell on it - I am just thankful they came along.

Thankful is an understatement where I am concerned. I guess I am just curious - maybe it is a question best left unanswered ;-)

[kpturner]

Internet and newspapers would be a good start

What - like the next line in my OP you mean?

[doggface]

A good question. Perhaps he is briefed by ML to look out for good investments?

 

Early days, but I think Cortese is a class act. Unfortunatley as "acting" CEO, I think he will only be in place until a management structure is put in place.

[um pahars]

I don't think it has to be seen as sniping/undermining the new regime or for there to be an ulterior motive for trying to find out what attracted our new owners to the Club.

 

I too would be interested to know just what made him go for us over a number of other clubs out there, why did he decide to get involved etc etc etc.

 

If anything understanding his/their motivation for taking us on may actually highlight some positives and give us a feel for how they are going to run the Club and what is driving them.

 

The only problem is we may nly get to hear what they want us to hear and give us the old cliches (akin to the new manager/player holding the scarf above his head for the obligatory new signing photo), but some outline may not be a bad thing.

 

I'm as chuffed as nuts they have come in, particularly as really did fear the worst for long periods in recent months.

[qwertySFC]

What - like the next line in my OP you mean?

 

Well if you read the Swiss national on line newspapers it gives you a clear indication why Markus purchased the club. They are all in German which is good for me , Markus explains his reasons why he did purchase and had in fact been aware for some time of SFC dispite being linked with the purchase of other clubs ..... Only takes a few clicks

[Badger]

 

In his interview he said "When this opportunity to acquire Southampton came along to me I immediately thought about Markus". How did the opportunity come to a Director of Banque Heritage in Geneva?

Maybe he is just a student of all things football and saw it in the press - or maybe he has links with somebody currently or previously involved with SFC? Was Andy Oldknow perhaps?

 

Any clues welcome.

 

An interesting post kpt and question kpt.But are we not in danger of perhaps looking for something sinister and devious in the background when hopefully there is nothing to worry about.

 

I fear that after the trauma we have all been through as Saints fans over the last 5/6 seasons we have thanks to Lowe,Wilde,Dulieu and Hone been conditioned that way.

 

So unless anyone can unearth a direct link between Banque Heritage and W.H Ireland lets just celebrate the club is back out of its comatosed condition and ready to start the lomg haul back.

[kpturner]

An interesting post kpt and question kpt.But are we not in danger of perhaps looking for something sinister and devious in the background when hopefully there is nothing to worry about.

Hopefully so. I wasn't necessarily thinking along those lines Badger although I take the point that some might. I was/am more thinking along the lines of "Why us?" and the seed was probably planted by that irate Everton fan on SSN who can't understand why a L1 club in Admin can be more appealing to a Swiss Banker and/or Businessman than a club already in the PL. I guess it could be nothing more than the fact that SFC must have been a "not to be missed" bargain. ML himself said it was a "modest investment" - modest for some I guess.

[kpturner]

..... Only takes a few clicks

...and Babelfish? A few translated gems of information would not go amiss.

[buctootim]

1-5% finders fee.

[eelpie]

For around 13 million pounds a club with potential has been bought.

In contrast along the road there is a club 80 million in debt that like many others has over-stretched itself.

 

Compared to many other clubs we were not such a bad buy after all.

 

Two people saw a good business deal plus all the positive things he has already mentioned.

 

So it's up to us to be positive too and prove they were'nt wrong.

Our recent history has given us good reason to be suspicious of all things. But we have to get out of the habit of looking for negatives and conspiracies.

 

New Era.

We are on the way up!

[qwertySFC]

What - like the next line in my OP you mean?

 

...and Babelfish? A few translated gems of information would not go amiss.

 

Makus states that he is not a football expert but a fan, basically the attraction was the professional set up , Ground , Training facilities and excellent youth development system. The fact that he had been linked in the past to other club the purchase of but obviously did not have the infa-structure of SFC and that the price was correct , a modest investment with potential , and if I am right in translating in another newspaper he has been aware of SFc for long time , or it could be it has taken long time , without actually listening to his actual conversation it is difficult to get the gist of his meaning

[kpturner]

Makus states that he is not a football expert but a fan, basically the attraction was the professional set up , Ground , Training facilities and excellent youth development system. The fact that he had been linked in the past to other club the purchase of but obviously did not have the infa-structure of SFC and that the price was correct , a modest investment with potential , and if I am right in translating in another newspaper he has been aware of SFc for long time , or it could be it has taken long time , without actually listening to his actual conversation it is difficult to get the gist of his meaning

Do you suppose he also had previously heard of Andy Oldknow and thought "now he would make a good COO" in my clean sweep?

[qwertySFC]

Do you suppose he also had previously heard of Andy Oldknow and thought "now he would make a good COO" in my clean sweep?

 

No idea , In other swiss german paper he said

 

I'm not a football expert, but this commitment seemed to me very attractive. He continues: There was a unique opportunity. I had to decide quickly.

[gordonToo]

Liebherr was attracted by the loyal fans, the tradition of the club and the very good stadium. Liebherr is also convinced there is a good possibility that the club can make it back to the top flight. "Of course it needs planning, hard work, patience and financial resources in order to achieve this goal. We will act quickly, but with a long-term plan". If I understand his German correctly he also says he will not be influenced by internet fan forums.

 

http://bazonline.ch/sport/fussball/Schweizer-Milliardaer-kauft-britischen-Traditionsklub/story/25646658

[up and away]

A good question. Perhaps he is briefed by ML to look out for good investments?

 

Early days, but I think Cortese is a class act. Unfortunatley as "acting" CEO, I think he will only be in place until a management structure is put in place.

 

Unless you are looking for an efficient manner in disposing of currency, investment will not have been the key.

 

I get the feeling that Liebherr has achieved most things in life and this looks an interesting project that fuels the soul rather than the purse. They must have had some close discussions to be able even propose this, all I am is truly grateful.

 

Surprised they let Wotte go without having anyone lined up. Honesty prevailing at the expense of prudency by the looks of it. Interesting times but I expect more upon the lines ofMadejski than others of this wealth.

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

I think the club was good value. We also have potentially a large fanbase - and the fans are a good advert for the club. I think we will sell 15,000 season tickets next season and if we get some momentum going we will regular get crowds of 25,000 plus. He obviously believes that as well.

 

I think also ML has quite alot of business links with the area.

[eurosaint]

Unless you are looking for an efficient manner in disposing of currency, investment will not have been the key.

 

I get the feeling that Liebherr has achieved most things in life and this looks an interesting project that fuels the soul rather than the purse. They must have had some close discussions to be able even propose this, all I am is truly grateful.

 

Surprised they let Wotte go without having anyone lined up. Honesty prevailing at the expense of prudency by the looks of it. Interesting times but I expect more upon the lines ofMadejski than others of this wealth.

 

My guess is that, as part of the 'clean sweep', they decided that if he was going to anyway it was best not to string him (and the fans) along !

That way everybody knows where they stand at the onset which seems to me an honest and legitimate business approach !

[imported_slough_saint]

Since when has the purchase of a football club been good value? When you think of all these astute businessman talked about on here as potential savours by so called ITK-ers, none of them wanted to put their hands in their pockets and bale us out. If I had the money i would love to have bought Saints. But it would very definitely be heart over head. Sure the value of Saints assets is much greater than the amount paid but in the end ML will be paying out money every season until/unless he gets us promoted to the premier league. Even then it is likely he will not make much unless he sells the company. Even in the premier league it is likely that our expenditure will have to increase to attract the top players which will offset any additional income we may get. I just hope ML doesn't get bored with the continual request for more money by the new Saints board and that the crowds don't turn on him if they feel the team is not up to scratch as they have on plenty of times on the players on the pitch.

Just like finally to say one big huge thank you to ML and his team for taking a gamble on buying us. Even if it is not financially successful I hope they enjoy the thrills and excitement of getting us back and thriving in the premier league.

[OldNick]

Compared to Everton we are a snip. We dont expect success but live on a crumb of it.Everton will always be looking at their bigger brother, Man City likewise , it doesnt matter how much money they throw at it, it will always be Man Utd;'s or Liverpools smaller neighbour.

[dubai_phil]

It's a good question.

ML has made all the right noises about the reasons behind his purchase.

I'm ecstatic that our future is secure and we have a proven wise owner with the funds to build a sane and sensible football club.

 

But, I don't believe in luck in M&A's. I find it a little hard to believe that ML read a Swiss paper one morning over his Alpen and decided to buy Saints. I think there was a process here.

 

Maybe he was interested by something he read. Perhaps, more likely, somebody spoke to one of his advisors and was asked to put together some ideas - an investment appraisal package.

 

It could well have been Oldknow, it could well have been somebody got through to Cortesa. (Didn't I see he has links with Bahrain? Where esle does he have contacts for example?)

 

In a proposition like this you need to get the idea through to the man, it's often called a middleman in football or a project sponsor in the proper world.

 

These guys hit the ground running. I think they had help, either they came across a sales pitch by luck or some people (Nicola/Andy) worked their socks off to get him to see the light.

 

Once he'd seen the real opportunity, he was never going to want to do anything other than buy us

[WestSaint]

ML has made all the right noises and I for one am delighted to have him on board.

 

He and his family do have business links with the City particularly the Port of Southampton which apparently is going to raise the whole issue of the Dibden Bay development once again.

 

If this controversial project does get the go ahead and in these economic times probably stands a better chance than before, we may be seeing a few more Liebherr Cranes in our Port !!

[aintforever]

We spend the whole summer banging on about what a great buy SFC would be (potential Prem club with great stadium, facilities, fan base, history for a snip etc), now we question the buyers motivation!?!

 

Only on here.

[shurlock]

Interesting question. Anyway of reading the interview? I live in london town.

 

Pure speculation, but given Cortese's banking links, could Salz have been involved in getting Cortese onside?

[kpturner]

We spend the whole summer banging on about what a great buy SFC would be (potential Prem club with great stadium, facilities, fan base, history for a snip etc), now we question the buyers motivation!?!

 

Only on here.

 

Are you implying that question alludes to something underhand? Maybe it is just interest in how things came to be. What is wrong with that?

[eelpie]

Since when has the purchase of a football club been good value? When you think of all these astute businessman talked about on here as potential savours by so called ITK-ers, none of them wanted to put their hands in their pockets and bale us out. If I had the money i would love to have bought Saints. But it would very definitely be heart over head. Sure the value of Saints assets is much greater than the amount paid but in the end ML will be paying out money every season until/unless he gets us promoted to the premier league. Even then it is likely he will not make much unless he sells the company. Even in the premier league it is likely that our expenditure will have to increase to attract the top players which will offset any additional income we may get. I just hope ML doesn't get bored with the continual request for more money by the new Saints board and that the crowds don't turn on him if they feel the team is not up to scratch as they have on plenty of times on the players on the pitch.

Just like finally to say one big huge thank you to ML and his team for taking a gamble on buying us. Even if it is not financially successful I hope they enjoy the thrills and excitement of getting us back and thriving in the premier league.

 

But as you said, when we are chasing for promotion to the Premiership we could be sold for more than we have cost. (If ML has been prudent and skilful like Madjeski has at Reading). Much more if we got there. (Not that I'm suggesting ML would sell. He said he's here for the long term). It is because he is a footie fan. We are fortunate to have been spotted by a billionaire who wants a hobby. And also a base near where he has business interests. Cortesi has done a good job introducing us to him

[qwertySFC]

But as you said, when we are chasing for promotion to the Premiership we could be sold for more than we have cost. (If ML has been prudent and skilful like Madjeski has at Reading). Much more if we got there. (Not that I'm suggesting ML would sell. He said he's here for the long term). It is because he is a footie fan. We are fortunate to have been spotted by a billionaire who wants a hobby. And also a base near where he has business interests. Cortesi has done a good job introducing us to him

 

I think Markus had his eye on us for a while , if I translate correctly his quote in the Swiss press

[Verbal]

I can't help thinking that Oldknow was a key link. As a prime mover during the dark days of the executive coup - one of many incidents that drove the club onto the rocks - he'd have known all too well that the club was finally free of the people the execs wanted out all along: the forever-squabbling non-execs. Freed of war and debt, he'd have known better than most that the club was a potential bargain.

 

Genuine question to people like FF, who leaked Oldknow's shenanigans and deep unpopularity at the time: has Oldknow turned a new leaf?

[Graffito]

I think Saints is a value buy, albeit high risk and high reward, although probably a reasonable level of risk for someone of ML's wealth, but I can't help thinking the acquisition is part of a wider business strategy. PR appears to have been important to the family company which donated to two local charities when supplying those cranes to the docks. All fine by me as long as the club flourishes.

[up and away]

We spend the whole summer banging on about what a great buy SFC would be (potential Prem club with great stadium, facilities, fan base, history for a snip etc), now we question the buyers motivation!?!

 

Only on here.

 

You are reading something into these posts that only exists between your lugs. People are only curious as to how this came about rather than questioning the motives. That has only to be natural when you consider the spectacular turn around in our fortunes. The only story I can think of that comes close to this is Fulham, but they were hardly threatened to go out of existence, a modern day miracle in action.

[bridge too far]

I think Saints is a value buy, albeit high risk and high reward, although probably a reasonable level of risk for someone of ML's wealth, but I can't help thinking the acquisition is part of a wider business strategy. PR appears to have been important to the family company which donated to two local charities when supplying those cranes to the docks. All fine by me as long as the club flourishes.

 

I guess it's pure co-incidence that ABP are going to try to get permission to develop Dibden Bay again?

[Graffito]

I guess it's pure co-incidence that ABP are going to try to get permission to develop Dibden Bay again?

 

Didn't know that. Well I never.

[qwertySFC]

Didn't know that. Well I never.

 

Announced yesterday i believe

[Zurichsaint]

I think Markus had his eye on us for a while , if I translate correctly his quote in the Swiss press

 

What Swiss press are you reading all this in mate? I have found a Blick article, and a couple of lines in 20 minuten, but everything else I've seen just shows the same quotes as the OS.

 

I'd be happy to see a link. Cheers.

[aintforever]

People are only curious as to how this came about rather than questioning the motives.

 

The thread title is "What was Cortese's motivation.."

 

Saints are obviously a potentially good investment, it's not exactly been a secret that we were up for sale.

[qwertySFC]

What Swiss press are you reading all this in mate? I have found a Blick article, and a couple of lines in 20 minuten, but everything else I've seen just shows the same quotes as the OS.

 

I'd be happy to see a link. Cheers.

 

Sure i will dig them out , I have been reading the German and Swiss newspapers for several days and its quotes here and there , post the links as i find them if you want

[Zurichsaint]

What Swiss press are you reading all this in mate? I have found a Blick article, and a couple of lines in 20 minuten, but everything else I've seen just shows the same quotes as the OS.

 

I'd be happy to see a link. Cheers.

 

OK, never mind - just saw it in other thread. ta! :smt053

[kpturner]

The thread title is "What was Cortese's motivation.."

 

Saints are obviously a potentially good investment, it's not exactly been a secret that we were up for sale.

So aren't you missing the point? the reasons for ML are perhaps evident, but the question in the op is all about how we arrived at the point at which Nicola Cortese engaged ML - just an interest in all the twists and turns that got us to this unbelievable point.

[spain saint]

I have got this gut felling that the motivation was something to do with the docks.(Liebherr)? Two days after the takeover I see the plans for the docks extension are submitted again! What better way to get these plans through and invest in it than to get 50,000 locals on your side!

 

I may be way off the mark and I don´t really care if it was for these reasons, if it means the club has a future!

 

 

P.S. When reading this please remember I live in Spain and only catch a little bit of local news a week so don´t know much of the detail about the port extension!

[spain saint]

I guess it's pure co-incidence that ABP are going to try to get permission to develop Dibden Bay again?

 

 

Now I notice your post! Doh!

 

This is what I was refering to.........

[WestSaint]

I have got this gut felling that the motivation was something to do with the docks.(Liebherr)? Two days after the takeover I see the plans for the docks extension are submitted again! What better way to get these plans through and invest in it than to get 50,000 locals on your side!

 

I may be way off the mark and I don´t really care if it was for these reasons, if it means the club has a future!

 

 

P.S. When reading this please remember I live in Spain and only catch a little bit of local news a week so don´t know much of the detail about the port extension!

 

It is not Liebherr that will push plans through but ABP and this is by no means a shoe in.

Whether it is in the economic interest it eventually goes through is one thing but do not underestimate the opposition to it

 

Should it one day go through - I hope that Liebherr are considered pole position for the supply of container port facilities.

[Badger]

I guess it's pure co-incidence that ABP are going to try to get permission to develop Dibden Bay again?

 

Can someone please expand on this possibility for the benefit of us exiles ?

[Wopper]

In the same line of business as Leon Crouch maybe there is a connection.

[spain saint]

It is not Liebherr that will push plans through but ABP and this is by no means a shoe in.

Whether it is in the economic interest it eventually goes through is one thing but do not underestimate the opposition to it

 

Should it one day go through - I hope that Liebherr are considered pole position for the supply of container port facilities.

 

Yeah, I realise it is not liebherr, but I was alluding to some sort of connection there!

[bridge too far]

Can someone please expand on this possibility for the benefit of us exiles ?

 

You're no more an exile than me! I'm only yards down the road from you (in the scheme of things).

[Frank's cousin]

Ok Guys, will give a full translation a go...

 

Swiss Billionnaire Buys a British club with great Tradition

 

Businessman Markus Liebherr has bought Southamption FC. Nothing about the level of the purhace price for the English Southwestern club has been made known

 

Markus Liebherr is convinced that the takeover presents an excellent opportunity to get the club back to the top. The 'Saints' as they are known amongst English clubs, were relegated to the 3rd tier of english football last season. "Naturally it will need planning, hard work, patience and INVESTMENT to reach that goal. We will work quickly, but plan lomg term," explained the Swiss on the homepage of the club. Liebherr went on to say that he sees his interest in Southampton as long term. He decided to take on the concern, because of the loyal fans, the club's tradition and the very good stadium.

 

The 61 years old Liebherr is part heir to the Freiburg business that bares the same name, that employs 33000 staff manufacturing cranes, Building machinery and refrigeration unitsand turns over 13 billion Swiss Francs. The Liebherr family are originally from Germany and count as one of the Wealthiest in Switzerland, Today Makus Liebherr heads the Mali Group. This is amongst other things involved in manufacturing / engineering and car manfacture. The head office is located in Wettingen AG.

 

Thats a reasonable translation... ;-)

[docker-p]

Can someone please expand on this possibility for the benefit of us exiles ?

Port of Southampton are keen to expand Container port capacity by developing Dibden Bay area of Southampton Water (next to Hythe, opposite side of water from Southampton.

Local nimbys put paid to this exciting development once before, but the Port are reportedly considering submitting a new planning application.

Liebherr have already supplied some of the biggest cranes in the world to the existing container port and would i'm sure be keen to supply more to Dibden Bay.

[sidthesquid]

If you had money to spare and fancied a crack at football, Saints really were a bargain. Nice ground and facilities, decent fanbase and catchment, good history but currently woefully underperforming, all for two thirds of the cost of a sk8te footballer to Liverpool - how could it be anything other than a gifthorse. In the economic climate of two years ago we would have gone for double that, had the pig-headed shareholders ever agreed on anything, but in the new reality multimillionaires with cash to spare are thin on the ground. But for a sensible person looking at a five to ten year project (as opposed to a couple of Prem glory years and sod the consequences - no names, no pack-drill Mr G of P*******th) Saints were both a snip and a really achievable challenge. Especially compared to £60 million for the sh1t ground, no fans, huge debt lot from down the road.