Finnish billionaire Thomas Zilliacus has confirmed that he’s raising fund to buy a team in Serie A amid links to an Inter Milan takeover.
The Finn tweeted about his intentions of raising over $400 million USD to invest in Serie A.
In recent weeks, Finnish businessman Zilliacus has seen his name linked with a potential takeover of Inter from Suning.
His name has joined a growing list of possible buyers for the Nerazzurri.
The likes of Bahrain-based fund InvestCorp and Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani are among those linked with bids.
Reuters reported that two sources close to the process have confirmed that Finnish entrepreneur Zilliacus’s interest is serious. The sources wish to remain anonymous.
According to the sources that Reuters spoke to, advisers will set a deadline for the final round of bidding within the next four weeks. They suggest that a purchase of Inter could be completed sometime towards the end of the summer.
Reuters note that Inter owners Suning have been working with US-based investment bank Goldman Sachs and boutique bank Raine Group. This is for the purpose of searching for interest in either purchasing or investing in the Nerazzurri.
Raine Group facilitated the takeover of Premier League giants Chelsea last year.
Zilliacus had previously attempted to take over Manchester United. However, the former Nokia executive withdrew his interest due to the high price tag involved.
Thomas Zilliacus Confirms Serie A Interest Amid Inter Milan Links
Zilliacus has been coy regarding the rumours linking him with Inter so far.
However, he has made his interest in Italian football more broadly crystal clear.
The Finnish entrepreneur tweeted to make clear that he intends to invest a substantial amount within Serie A.
He tweeted that “We are raising another 400 million USD for investments into Serie A clubs.”
“Let’s bring Italian football back to the top of the world,with the national team World Cup winners and club teams regular Champions League winners.”
