Suning have received an offer from US investment group Fortress to help solve Inter’s financial problems, according to a report in Italy tonight.
Il Sole 24 Ore‘s online edition said Fortress had made a preliminary proposal to the Nerazzurri’s owners which was of a ‘hybrid’ nature.
Fortress have offered a mix between equity and a loan, which would aim to help Suning repay their expiring bonds, worth a total of €375 million.
The report said it would become clearer in the next few days whether negotiations between the parties could properly take off.
Suning are known to be keen on covering Inter’s short-term costs by securing a loan, as it would enable them to remain owners for the time being.
Fortress are thought to be an alternative to Bain Capital in this regard, another US-based firm with whom Suning have had contact and who are also open to a hybrid-style solution.
BC Partners remain the leading candidate if Suning choose to sell Inter altogether, although this report described their negotiations with Suning as ‘up and down’.
Suning must resolve Inter’s financial problems one way or another by the end of March.
