Thomas Zilliacus could face one major obstacle in his efforts to take over Inter Milan from current owners Suning.
Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, suggest that the Finnish billionaire’s openness about his intentions may not mesh well with Suning’s preference for low-key negotiaations.
In the past couple days, Zilliacus has given very brazen hints about his intentions.
The Finnish billionaire has stated in no uncertain terms that he intends to make an offer to buy Inter from Suning.
Naturally, Zilliacus hasn’t revealed all the details. But he has stated that he plans to put the bid in in the next week or two.
And the businessman has also made clear that he believed that he could meet Suning’s valuation for the Nerazzurri.
At least in terms of his public statements, Zilliacus appears very serious.
One Big Stumbling Block For Thomas Zilliacus To Buy Inter From Suning
Whilst Zilliacus could well be totally serious, he will still have to convince Suning.
Naturally, meeting the current Inter owners’ valuation will be a big part of this.
By all accounts, the Inter owners want in excess of €1 billion to sell the club.
The number could be around €1.3 billion. This would clear that €1.2 billion that RedBird Capital paid Elliott Management to acquire Inter’s city rivals AC Milan.
But more is needed to make the negotiations work than just money.
As the Corriere note, Suning have historically preferred to keep negotiations fairly private.
And Zilliacus has been anything but that in his recent charm offensive.
The Finn has talked extremely publicly about his ambitions and intentions.
Therefore, the Corriere note, it could be hard to establish a rapport in talks.
Zilliacus will have to personally convince Suning. And if there is a clash of styles in negotiations, that could well prove to be a stumbling block.
