An American firm has reportedly shown interest in investing in Greek Super League club Panathinaikos, joining the other interested parties from the Gulf States.
PAO, which is struggling financial and openly seeking new investors, appears to have wooed a third bidder for its majority stake, a move that was confirmed by the chairman of London-based Axiom Capital, who said a US firm was interested in investing in the Greens.
Speaking to Greek sports website gazzetta.gr, Axiom Capital’s Tony Drury confirmed that his firm has secured a bid for the stake owned by the Vardinoyiannis family. “It is true that we have an investor who wants to acquire a majority stake in Panathinaikos. The first contact with the Vardinoyiannis family has already taken place and it is possible to have a meeting in the coming days,” Drury told the website. “The only thing you need to know at this point is that this is about funds from America.
They wish to invest in Greece in general, and not just in soccer,” Drury added. Axiom Capital said a representative was on his way to Athens to hold discussions with the Vardinoyiannis family’s lawyers a view to purchasing a 54.7 per cent stake in the Athens club. Including Axiom Capital, this is the third expression of interest Panathinaikos have.
The other two include a Saudi prince, who has tabled a formal offer, and Abu Dhabi-based Arboris Capital had also expressed an interest in finding a buyer in the Arab emirate for the Athens club.
