Administrator Confirms Sale of Southampton FC to Markus Leibherr

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Mark Fry - Partner | July 9th 2009

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The purchaser is owned and controlled by Markus Liebherr, 61, who is a Swiss national. Markus Liebherr also owns and controls the Swiss-based Mali Group, which consists of five companies engaged in technologically advanced engineering.

Mark Fry and his team from Begbies Traynor who have been in talks with a number of interested parties, were impressed by Markus Liebherr and his team’s commitment and ability to complete the transaction.

Joint Administrator Mark Fry commented: "The sale of the Saints to Markus Liebherr is a fantastic opportunity to rebuild the Club. Markus Leibherr was attracted to Southampton by a number of qualities which include the Club’s rich sporting heritage, loyal fan base, first class stadium and training facilities and the potential for the Saints to regain their rightful place at the higher echelons of English football.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all Saints’ fans for their support and patience in what have been uncertain times for the Club. I would also like to wish both Markus and the Club well for future success.”

About the author

Mark Fry

Partner

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Mark is an experienced insolvency practitioner, with over twenty years experience. Originally a founding partner in Taylor Gotham & Fry, a specialist boutique practice in the corporate recovery sector, he later sold this practice in 2005 to Begbies Traynor. Mark is now the Regional Managing Partner for the company, responsible for London and the South East. During his time at Begbies Traynor he has developed a separate but integrated restructuring and banking practice; this part of the business has worked in both debtor and creditor led turnaround situations. He also holds several directorships of trading companies outside the financial sector, which assists his awareness and understanding of the issues found by business managers and owners.

Mark is a Counsel Member of the Insolvency Practioners Association and a member of their Membership and Authorisation Committee, as well as the Education and Training Committee. He has also served as a member of the General Technical Committee for R3, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals.