As takeover talks intensify, Suning’s desire to hold onto a majority stake in Inter could see them favour a deal with American investment management firm Fortress.
With mounting debts and increasing financial concerns about the immediate future of the club, Chinese retail conglomerate Suning have engaged in discussions over a sale of the Nerazzurri, with London-based BC Partners granted a period of exclusivity in January.
However, as reported in today’s newspaper edition of Corriere della Sera, Suning are hoping to avoid an outright sale of the club and would favour offloading a minority stake, in the region of 30%.
This has given Fortress the advantage over BC Partners and Saudi Arabian public investment fund PIF, as they are ready to offer €250 million for a minority stake.
Such an agreement would give Suning and owners the Zhang family the opportunity to remain at the helm should Inter go on to win the Serie A title this season, whilst also keep control beyond the summer.
Negotiations with Fortress have been ongoing and further developments are expected over the coming weeks.
