Inter could soon have new owners with private equity fund BC Partners ready to acquire a majority stake in the club, according to a report in Italy this evening.
Sport Mediaset said talks between the British investment firm and the Nerazzurri’s owners Suning had experienced ‘a significant acceleration’ and that the club could be sold ‘very soon’.
The report references a story in Il Messaggero last week which revealed Suning owner Zhang Jindong had been persuaded to relinquish control of Inter following new tough restrictions from the Chinese government.
“The signs exist and they cannot be ignored, such as the numerous initiatives Inter have put on hold and the due diligence being undertaken by BC Partners, who are being led by Nikos Stathopoulos,” SM reported.
Suning could remain involved at Inter by taking the 31% share currently held by LionRock Capital, who joined the club two years ago when they bought the stake belonging to previous owner Erick Thohir.
Inter president Steven Zhang moved to swiftly deny reports a fortnight ago that he was beginning the search for new owners, following a story published in Corriere dello Sport.
The rumours surrounding Suning’s future at the club are refusing to disappear, though, with speculation over a full-blown sale seeming to grow only louder with each passing day.