The Takeover Thread - Recon Group - NOW WITH NEW POLL

[ADVILLAFAN]

I've been looking into Anschutz on the net and read an article written about him a good decade or so ago which stated he had a personal fortune of 18 billion dollars. His flagship business is AEG (valued at around 10 billion dollars) but that is just one of many enterprises that he seems to have on the go.  All of his businesses, as far as I can gather, fall under the umbrella of Anschutz Corporation.

I think we can all agree that following any Anschutz, Europe will tremble before us.

[/history joke]

I'm not the only one who immediately thinks of Anschluss when I hear his name then....

[SamTheMouse]

I think of Toby Anstis. Which is quite disturbing on a number of levels.

[ozzjim]

Why would a 74 year old with many other interests want to buy a premier league football club?

[The Laughing Policeman]

Could this still be on the cards?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/red-bull-looking-buy-english-2366075

[Jimbo]

Why would a 74 year old with many other interests want to buy a premier league football club?

To tie in with an American 'soccer' club(s) and exploit the vast, relatively untapped market there? To add a high profile acquisition to the AEG portfolio, and challenge in the most famous league in the world? To leave a stronger legacy for his successors? It doesn't take a huge leap of imagination to see why he'd be interested, although I'm not saying he is.

[TheEgo]

That's odd, worked for me. Anyway...

"Philip Frederick Anschutz (/ˈænʃuːts/ an-shoots; born December 28, 1939) is an American entrepreneur. Anschutz bought out his father's drilling company, Circle A Drilling, in 1961 and earned large returns in Wyoming. He has invested in stocks, real estate and railroads. He then began investing in entertainment companies, co-founding Major League Soccer as well as multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes, and the New York / New Jersey Metro Stars. Anschutz owns stakes in the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, and venues including the Staples Center, O2 Arena, and the StubHub Center. Anschutz also invests in family films such as The Chronicles of Narnia. Forbes ranks him the 38th richest person in the U.S. with an estimated net worth of $10 billion as of 2013"

So he owns about 5 MLS clubs? Bit strange surely?

Anyhow, the bit I liked was 2 press interviews since 1979. Pat Murphy has such a love of Lerner, he will adore this guy!

Doesn't currently own 5 but has been involved in the creation of 5 teams. Think he owns one of the teams we play in pre season? Could be wrong though as we've been linked to so many people already.

[maidstonevillain]

Why would a 74 year old with many other interests want to buy a premier league football club?

Because he hasn't already got one. And he can. This seasons American Billionaires must have accessory.

[Billy Walker]

I think there are a couple of reasons why Anschutz might want to buy Villa.  He is big into stadium and arena development and it's possible that he can see the huge potential and value of Villa Park.  I read elsewhere that AEG are looking to make their brand high profile in Europe, buying a Premier League football club would help them achieve this.

AEG have been linked to other English clubs before and have often stressed that it was not their policy to buy non US football clubs.  If they are after Villa then clearly their strategy has shifted.

[Des Little]

Let's just get it on.  I'm bored of seeing just one star on our badge/crest - it's unbalanced and needs another.

[TheEgo]

Only 6 days to go until we hear something..

[rob_bridge]

Only 6 days to go until we hear something..

New cones and new bibs report

[Richard E]

Let's just get it on.  I'm bored of seeing just one star on our badge/crest - it's unbalanced and needs another.

It'd be more aesthetically pleasing with at least 6, I reckon, and "Double Winners 2015" underneath.

[The Laughing Policeman]

Let's just get it on.  I'm bored of seeing just one star on our badge/crest - it's unbalanced and needs another.

I don't want to see just one more star I want the whole Milky Way.

[Richard E]

I'm not greedy. I just really, really, really want to see us win the FA Cup. Once. That'll do me, it really will.

[The Laughing Policeman]

I'm not greedy. I just really, really, really want to see us win the FA Cup. Once. That'll do me, it really will.

I've promised myself I'm not going to die 'til I've seen us win the FA Cup (again). Going on recent cup performances there's a good chance I'll live forever.