Friday, June 22, 2007
Another billionaire looks at buying Blackburn
South African billionaire Johann Rupert has emerged as a potential bidder to take over at Blackburn Rovers, rivalling the US-based businessman Daniel Williams, as the club continues its dialogue with prospective suitors.
Rupert has contacted other businessmen, including Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, with a view to putting together a consortium to buy out the Jersey-based Jack Walker family trust's 99.8% stake.
Rupert, who lives in his native South Africa in Stellenbosch, is executive chairman of Richemont, the Swiss-based luxury products group whose brands include Cartier and Dunhill, and chairs two family-controlled investment companies in his homeland. He has a net worth of an estimated $2.3bn (£1.1bn) and is a passionate sportsman who owns exclusive golf resorts in South Africa.
Rupert has contacted other businessmen, including Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, with a view to putting together a consortium to buy out the Jersey-based Jack Walker family trust's 99.8% stake.
Rupert, who lives in his native South Africa in Stellenbosch, is executive chairman of Richemont, the Swiss-based luxury products group whose brands include Cartier and Dunhill, and chairs two family-controlled investment companies in his homeland. He has a net worth of an estimated $2.3bn (£1.1bn) and is a passionate sportsman who owns exclusive golf resorts in South Africa.
