By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions. We in turn value your personal details in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
I’ve been doing a bit of digging at HM Land Registry today and what I have seen backs up what Phil has previously mentioned and leads me to believe the takeover is well underway and likely just waiting EFL approval.
The Playford Road site (2 parcels of land) is the subject of a priority search in respect of an intended purchase by Gamechanger 20 Ltd which was lodged on 23 February by law firm Gateley PLC out of their Birmingham office (first instruction by that client).The Bent Lane site is subject to a similar priority search in respect of part of the site only, meaning the Evans group company is retaining part of it.
A priority search is carried out by solicitors to preserve their place in the queue of potential applications for dealing, it confers a priority period of about 45 days. It is a matter of public record and available to view by professionals who have the requisite portal account. It is typically only done in the immediate anticipation of completing a transaction, it can be done slightly ahead of this, but usually is done on the day of exchange of contracts. I’m a commercial property solicitor so carry out these searches on a regular basis. My best guess (based on the timing of the search) is Evans likely entered into a conditional contract last Tuesday for the sale of the land (and club). You would not carry out such a search unless a deal including the detail had either been agreed or was extremely close. The reason such searches are not carried out lightly is because it prevents the proprietor from entering into other transactions while the priority is lodged. If a deal is not happening you should cancel the search, but all 3 remain in place.
There is no corresponding priority search in respect of the stadium lease and I would not expect there to be as the lease is owned by the club as tenant and I would expect Gamechanger 20 Ltd is acquiring the existing share capital owned by Evans.
I am happy to share screenshots if anyone would like to see, but the searches are in relation to the Playford Road site (title number SK219236 & SK203140) and the bent lane site (SK200320) they appear under the “application enquiry” tab.
EDIT:
I have now have a placed a brief article on my firm's website here discussing it:
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 09:36 - Mar 17 by PositivelyPortman
I wonder why? Gamechanger have dodged a bullet I reckon.
Evans may regret not selling to them, while we are in the Playoffs the club is worth a little more but chances are we're going to flop right out of it and he's going to have to fund a total rebuild in the summer if we are to stand any chance of doing anything in this league. This could have all been the new owners problem but Evans is not great at making decisions.
Football League First Division / Premier League
Champions (1): 1961—62 - Runners-up (2): 1980—81, 1981—82
Football League Second Division / EFL Championship
Champions (3): 1960—61, 1967—68, 1991—92 - Play-off winners (1): 1999—2000
Football League Third Division / EFL League One Champions (2): 1953—54, 1956—57 - Southern League Champions (1): 1936—37
FA Cup Winners (1): 1977—78 - Texaco Cup Winners (1): 1972—73
UEFA Cup / UEFA Europa League Winners (1): 1980—81
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 09:58 - Mar 17 by TieDyedIn95
Evans may regret not selling to them, while we are in the Playoffs the club is worth a little more but chances are we're going to flop right out of it and he's going to have to fund a total rebuild in the summer if we are to stand any chance of doing anything in this league. This could have all been the new owners problem but Evans is not great at making decisions.
Do you really think that this hinges on us potentially reaching the play offs and dare I say promotion?
Surely this can’t be in Evans’ thinking? If this was the case would he not have been more pro active about getting us back up? I don’t mean in terms of investment, but allowing Lambert that insane contract extension and festering for a further year with him.
Or is he thinking by some stroke of luck we might actually be on the ascendancy? If this is the case then this doesn’t make sense either, as we’ve been woeful since Cook arrived and has seen our 2 worst performances of the season.
Hard to second guess Evans I suppose as his next decision is usually worse than his last.
0
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 11:14 - Mar 17 with 5724 views
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 09:58 - Mar 17 by TieDyedIn95
Evans may regret not selling to them, while we are in the Playoffs the club is worth a little more but chances are we're going to flop right out of it and he's going to have to fund a total rebuild in the summer if we are to stand any chance of doing anything in this league. This could have all been the new owners problem but Evans is not great at making decisions.
The deal might not be dead, only TWTD’s have reported this story so you have to ask how much truth is in it? They haven’t said where this information has come from and there is no quotes to back this up. Again you have to ask why other media outlets are not running the story?
Also I’m sure Evans would have something in place in regards to promotion within the contract with gamechanger. Maybe a top up if promotion was achieved this year. From all accounts the deal was with the efl, if something has “stalled” then maybe it’s to do with the ratification process of all 4members of gamechanger.
But again this is all hear say, as anyone who know anything has signed an NDA so we won’t no anything. I understand it’s gone quiet but you would expect that if it’s with the efl. It’s just a case of wait and see. The longer these are on the land registry the deal is still alive. Muncher talked about how it is expected if a deal has fallen through that the land registry should be cancelled. We just have to wait and see.
0
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 11:16 - Mar 17 with 5710 views
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 11:14 - Mar 17 by kaibe
The deal might not be dead, only TWTD’s have reported this story so you have to ask how much truth is in it? They haven’t said where this information has come from and there is no quotes to back this up. Again you have to ask why other media outlets are not running the story?
Also I’m sure Evans would have something in place in regards to promotion within the contract with gamechanger. Maybe a top up if promotion was achieved this year. From all accounts the deal was with the efl, if something has “stalled” then maybe it’s to do with the ratification process of all 4members of gamechanger.
But again this is all hear say, as anyone who know anything has signed an NDA so we won’t no anything. I understand it’s gone quiet but you would expect that if it’s with the efl. It’s just a case of wait and see. The longer these are on the land registry the deal is still alive. Muncher talked about how it is expected if a deal has fallen through that the land registry should be cancelled. We just have to wait and see.
To be fair to Phil, he's the last person to post untruth's, he does have good contacts, so if he's heard that there has been a stalemate then I would take that as gospel.
Why the others haven't run with it? Maybe they don't have the same contacts.
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 09:19 - Mar 17 by Muncher
No change today, they're still there.
OK, interesting.
Now, do you have any contacts at the EFl who would be able to tell us if any of Ipswich Town's cleaners have been registered as players this morning...
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 11:16 - Mar 17 by hype313
To be fair to Phil, he's the last person to post untruth's, he does have good contacts, so if he's heard that there has been a stalemate then I would take that as gospel.
Why the others haven't run with it? Maybe they don't have the same contacts.
I agree with you I can’t imagine phil to fabricate a story, but anyone who knows anything about the facts are being silenced currently. With nda’s. Maybe there is truth init. But to what degree we don’t no for sure. Phill reported earlier that the deal was at efl being ratified. So at that point you would think the deal was done just a case of efl clearance.
0
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 11:33 - Mar 17 with 5624 views
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 11:16 - Mar 17 by hype313
To be fair to Phil, he's the last person to post untruth's, he does have good contacts, so if he's heard that there has been a stalemate then I would take that as gospel.
Why the others haven't run with it? Maybe they don't have the same contacts.
Perhaps 'Ipswich Town being taken over by American consortium' is a better story for selling papers and attracting clicks on websites than 'Takeover deal stalled, we have to wait and see if anything happens but no one knows if it will at the moment'?
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 11:33 - Mar 17 by WeWereZombies
Perhaps 'Ipswich Town being taken over by American consortium' is a better story for selling papers and attracting clicks on websites than 'Takeover deal stalled, we have to wait and see if anything happens but no one knows if it will at the moment'?
When it comes to national media, unless it's a really big club it tends to be a case of doing the initial story and then running another when you know it's either done or won't be done.
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 11:37 - Mar 17 by SomethingBlue
When it comes to national media, unless it's a really big club it tends to be a case of doing the initial story and then running another when you know it's either done or won't be done.
Indeed. So we should be thankful to Phil (and all non mainstream news providers on stories of limited interest to the general public but specific interest to those of us who have a financial or an emotional stake in matters) for keeping us updated on this.
On a side note; if the American consortium are currently stymied (and who knows if this is the case) by Evans' business tactics in the potential sale then are they likely to have the gusto and nous to be the entrepreneurial force that Ipswich Town needs to get back in the big time?
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 11:37 - Mar 17 by SomethingBlue
When it comes to national media, unless it's a really big club it tends to be a case of doing the initial story and then running another when you know it's either done or won't be done.
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 12:29 - Mar 17 by WeWereZombies
Indeed. So we should be thankful to Phil (and all non mainstream news providers on stories of limited interest to the general public but specific interest to those of us who have a financial or an emotional stake in matters) for keeping us updated on this.
On a side note; if the American consortium are currently stymied (and who knows if this is the case) by Evans' business tactics in the potential sale then are they likely to have the gusto and nous to be the entrepreneurial force that Ipswich Town needs to get back in the big time?
To be fair we don't know the reasons why things have stalled, so to question their minerals about entrepreneurial nous seems off target.
If I were to hazard a guess, I wouldn't be surprised to hear the Marcus has moved the goalposts on value.
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 12:41 - Mar 17 by hype313
To be fair we don't know the reasons why things have stalled, so to question their minerals about entrepreneurial nous seems off target.
If I were to hazard a guess, I wouldn't be surprised to hear the Marcus has moved the goalposts on value.
Which is exactly my point. We get exasperated by our players being outfought and out thought on the pitch, so why should we accept new owners who cannot out think our current under performing owner during the negotiation process?
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 12:46 - Mar 17 by WeWereZombies
Which is exactly my point. We get exasperated by our players being outfought and out thought on the pitch, so why should we accept new owners who cannot out think our current under performing owner during the negotiation process?
What a bizarre post.
5
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 14:52 - Mar 17 with 5158 views
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 12:46 - Mar 17 by WeWereZombies
Which is exactly my point. We get exasperated by our players being outfought and out thought on the pitch, so why should we accept new owners who cannot out think our current under performing owner during the negotiation process?
But if that's the case, it's a bit different to be outmuscled for a ball by the opposition, to finding out you have agreed £17m to then find out it's gone up to £30m, bit different to find an extra £13m down the back of the sofa.
*This is purely hypothetical synopsis, but the analogy still works.
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 14:52 - Mar 17 by hype313
But if that's the case, it's a bit different to be outmuscled for a ball by the opposition, to finding out you have agreed £17m to then find out it's gone up to £30m, bit different to find an extra £13m down the back of the sofa.
*This is purely hypothetical synopsis, but the analogy still works.
And not a bad analogy, in this case the back of the sofa (or should we say couch) being the Ohio or Arizona Policeman's or Firefighter's pension fund...possibly. It is not as if Marcus Evans is a complete unknown quantity though, whoever tries to wrest our club from his control will have carried out a full investigation into who he is and what he does if they have even the remotest of common sense. Even if they have not, the people who intend to lend them money will then require them to. And given them a line of credit on the basis of the information available.
From what little we know, or can infer, as this situation has unfolded it does sound like the American consortium are launching a hostile takeover. The statements issued by Evans give no conciliatory intention to 'work with new owners', he sounds a bit hunkered down to me.
And you know what? If Evans has successfully fought off a hostile bid, and replaced a failing manager with one aspiring to succeed, and showed consideration for us minority shareholders in Ipswich Town plc, then for the first time in many years I say well done to him. He's finally grown a set and might well be preferable to an unconnected consortium.
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 15:14 - Mar 17 by WeWereZombies
And not a bad analogy, in this case the back of the sofa (or should we say couch) being the Ohio or Arizona Policeman's or Firefighter's pension fund...possibly. It is not as if Marcus Evans is a complete unknown quantity though, whoever tries to wrest our club from his control will have carried out a full investigation into who he is and what he does if they have even the remotest of common sense. Even if they have not, the people who intend to lend them money will then require them to. And given them a line of credit on the basis of the information available.
From what little we know, or can infer, as this situation has unfolded it does sound like the American consortium are launching a hostile takeover. The statements issued by Evans give no conciliatory intention to 'work with new owners', he sounds a bit hunkered down to me.
And you know what? If Evans has successfully fought off a hostile bid, and replaced a failing manager with one aspiring to succeed, and showed consideration for us minority shareholders in Ipswich Town plc, then for the first time in many years I say well done to him. He's finally grown a set and might well be preferable to an unconnected consortium.
Still want Ed Sheeran to buy the club though...
Where on EARTH is the proof of a "hostile takeover"? Apart from in your head?
1
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 15:29 - Mar 17 with 5029 views
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 15:14 - Mar 17 by WeWereZombies
And not a bad analogy, in this case the back of the sofa (or should we say couch) being the Ohio or Arizona Policeman's or Firefighter's pension fund...possibly. It is not as if Marcus Evans is a complete unknown quantity though, whoever tries to wrest our club from his control will have carried out a full investigation into who he is and what he does if they have even the remotest of common sense. Even if they have not, the people who intend to lend them money will then require them to. And given them a line of credit on the basis of the information available.
From what little we know, or can infer, as this situation has unfolded it does sound like the American consortium are launching a hostile takeover. The statements issued by Evans give no conciliatory intention to 'work with new owners', he sounds a bit hunkered down to me.
And you know what? If Evans has successfully fought off a hostile bid, and replaced a failing manager with one aspiring to succeed, and showed consideration for us minority shareholders in Ipswich Town plc, then for the first time in many years I say well done to him. He's finally grown a set and might well be preferable to an unconnected consortium.
Still want Ed Sheeran to buy the club though...
What are you on about?
He could easily have these searches cancelled if he wasn't interested in being 'conciliatory'. And all reports suggest Evans would be retaining 5%.
I'd suggest it's as simple as they cannot agree a final price/terms at this moment in time. On the numbers front they aren't going to just stump up what Evans want, no questions asked.
1
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 15:31 - Mar 17 with 5013 views
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 15:20 - Mar 17 by portmanking
Where on EARTH is the proof of a "hostile takeover"? Apart from in your head?
As hype as pointed out, this is all pure conjecture - and I did use that little word 'if' in the sentence that contained 'hostile takeover'. And referred those reading the post to Marcus Evans' recent statement about his intention to remain in control of Ipswich Town F.C.
Of course Marcus Evans could be talking amicably to the American consortium (or members thereof), none of us are privy to these discussions so we do not know one way or another. But I think we are all, to some extent, attached (fondly or otherwise today) to the club and thus have a tendency to speculate about what is going on.
Ah yes, on the subject of speculation, when is Kayden Jackson going to score again?...doh, what is going on in my head, that sould have read 'Will Kayden Jackson score again?'
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 15:14 - Mar 17 by WeWereZombies
And not a bad analogy, in this case the back of the sofa (or should we say couch) being the Ohio or Arizona Policeman's or Firefighter's pension fund...possibly. It is not as if Marcus Evans is a complete unknown quantity though, whoever tries to wrest our club from his control will have carried out a full investigation into who he is and what he does if they have even the remotest of common sense. Even if they have not, the people who intend to lend them money will then require them to. And given them a line of credit on the basis of the information available.
From what little we know, or can infer, as this situation has unfolded it does sound like the American consortium are launching a hostile takeover. The statements issued by Evans give no conciliatory intention to 'work with new owners', he sounds a bit hunkered down to me.
And you know what? If Evans has successfully fought off a hostile bid, and replaced a failing manager with one aspiring to succeed, and showed consideration for us minority shareholders in Ipswich Town plc, then for the first time in many years I say well done to him. He's finally grown a set and might well be preferable to an unconnected consortium.
Still want Ed Sheeran to buy the club though...
How would it be a hostile takeover? Virtually all of ITFC is owned by ME, we aren't a PLC so there are no shares to be bought up on the open market. The only way it would be a hostile takeover is in them being rude in their dealings with Marcus, "We won't pay more than $20m, you massive bawbag".
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 15:36 - Mar 17 by Herbivore
How would it be a hostile takeover? Virtually all of ITFC is owned by ME, we aren't a PLC so there are no shares to be bought up on the open market. The only way it would be a hostile takeover is in them being rude in their dealings with Marcus, "We won't pay more than $20m, you massive bawbag".
Good point, well made.
As you say, his shareholding position is probably impregnable.
But we don't know at the moment how the Marcus Evans Group has fared during the pandemic and if it has had to borrow significant sums to keep going. Again, pure speculation, but a lack of collateral could be an impetus for attempts to unseat Evans. No good having complete control if the bank is about to foreclose on the business (es); unless you can find someone else to borrow from.
The takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd - The training ground land on 15:36 - Mar 17 by Herbivore
How would it be a hostile takeover? Virtually all of ITFC is owned by ME, we aren't a PLC so there are no shares to be bought up on the open market. The only way it would be a hostile takeover is in them being rude in their dealings with Marcus, "We won't pay more than $20m, you massive bawbag".
I quite like the idea of the yanks being incredibly rude to poor Marcus as they negotiate. Take it or leave it sucka!
In the spirit of reconciliation and happiness at the end of the Banter Era (RIP) and as a result of promotion I have cleared out my ignore list. Look forwards to reading your posts!
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
