Dubai investors eye Charlton takeover

Championship strugglers Charlton could become the latest English club to have foreign owners after receiving an indicative offer from a group of Dubai-based investors, the club confirmed on Friday.

The Addicks, who currently lie 14th in the Championship having been relegated from the Premier League in 2007, are the subject of an offer from Zabeel Investments, who were recently linked with buying Newcastle.

A statement from Charlton read: “The board of Charlton Athletic plc announces that it has received an indicative cash offer from Zabeel Investments, a Dubai-based diversified investment company.

“The indicative offer is subject to a number of (waivable) preconditions, including due diligence, however, it is at a level at which, should the offer be made formally to shareholders, the board would recommend shareholders to accept it.

“There is, however, no certainty that a formal offer will be made nor as to the terms of any offer.

“Zabeel Investments had been looking at the opportunity to invest in a leading English football club and had been monitoring the situation at Charlton Athletic Football Club closely.

“In spite of being approached by various English football clubs as well as a number of well-known clubs in Europe and South America, Zabeel Investments believes Charlton is the right club for them.”