Liverpool co-owners reduce share as Rhone group to become majority shareholders

Liverpool co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks aren't expected to delay the Rhone group's investment bid.

PA Sport says global investment firm the Rhone Group have made a £100million-plus offer for a 40 per cent stake in the club.

If successful the Rhone Group's bid would give them the controlling interest in the club, with Hicks and Gillett reducing their shareholding to 30% each.

Details of the offer were only received by Liverpool on Saturday and the matter has yet to be discussed at board level.

There have been suggestions on Sunday that the American co-owners are looking for a better price but with the clock ticking on the time they have to meets RBS' requirements it may yet prove to be a viable option.

Founded in 1995, the Rhone Group have their headquarters in New York, although sources close to the bid have assured Liverpool fans vehemently opposed to Hicks and Gillett that this should not be seen in any way as another American investment.

The group have other offices in London and Paris, where one of its two owners Robert Agostinelli currently lives, and are considered a global company rather than solely US-based.

Sources also tried to reassure fans concerned about a private equity company buying into the club by stating Rhone have a reputation for being conservative investors and are not short-term opportunists.