Bolton chairman ‘willing’ to discuss selling club

(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

By Alex Beard

Bolton Wanderers chairman Ken Anderson has denied reports he has been attempting to sell the club, but admits he is willing to talk to potential investors who ‘have the club’s best interests at heart’.

A story has recently emerged claiming that Anderson had produced an eight-page document valuing the club’s majority shareholding group at £25 million.

However, the Wanderers chairman has now moved to dismiss the report, telling the club’s official website that he has done no such thing.

“I have seen today’s article in the Bolton News and comments on social media and would like to clarify a number of matters,” Anderson said.

“Nobody has been instructed or retained to sell the club.

“Over the last 12 months we have received many enquiries from China, America, Canada, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the UK.

“This does not surprise me and is vindication of my previous comments. The club has a fantastic infrastructure and has a well-regarded history.

“As I have always said, if any individual or group is able to invest significant resources and has the club’s best interests at heart then I will be willing to hold discussions with them.

“The sales document that has been referred to is what is generally known as in corporate finance circles as a ‘teaser’.

“It outlines the value of the club and its assets. Obviously, any serious investor needs to have this information. The information is also required by financial institutions when looking at refinancing.”

Under Anderson’s stewardship Bolton have recently emerged from a transfer embargo which had plagued them for Phil Parkinson’s entire tenure at the club.

Any potential investor would need to invest heavily in the Wanderers squad to avoid relegation from the Championship this term, the team currently bottom of the second tier and winless so far.