Swiss billionaire Hansorg Vis discusses “offer to buy Chelsea” with other investors

It is believed that there are “at least three” investors or investment groups who are simply waiting to throw their money at Chelsea this week, seeking to take advantage of what would, in essence, be a forced sale by Roman Abramovich, given the geopolitical circumstances.

The pressure on the Chelsea owner seems to be intensifying, certainly in the courts of public opinion, the media and moralism, and although he has not yet been punished by any formal sanctions (other than those he has already been subjected to by the UK government) and offers to sell have been repeatedly denied by Chelsea sources, it certainly seems that we are the closest in the last two decades to a change in ownership of the club.

As for who might be interested in acquiring a “truly global brand” like Chelsea, especially at what a decent discount on the market price could be … the more pertinent question might be, who wouldn’t? The Telegraph says a number of offers have been made this week to test Abramovich’s resolve, at least one of which is likely from the United States, according to Bloomberg. But the first such party to actually be mentioned is Swiss billionaire Hansorg Vis, who may also be a citizen of the United States where he lives.

Weiss, 86, has made billions in biotechnology and is apparently a largely shadowy figure known for his liberal leanings, philanthropy and media involvement. In accordance with this last part, he himself released this small piece of information in an interview with the Swiss daily Blick, which also seems to surprise the journalist.

“Abramovich is one of Putin’s closest advisers and friends. Like all other oligarchs, he is in a panic. Abramovich is trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly. I and three others received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.

“I have to wait four to five days. At the moment, Abramovich wants too much. You know, Chelsea owes him £ 2 billion. But Chelsea have no money. Means: Those who buy Chelsea must compensate Abramovich.

“As of today, we do not know the exact selling price. I can imagine starting in Chelsea with partners. But first I have to look at the general conditions. But what I can already say: I definitely don’t do something like that alone. If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium of six to seven investors. “

-Hansorg Vis; source: Blick via Google Translate

The Internet says Wyss is valued at around £ 6b, which is less than Abramovich’s net worth and is certainly not enough to fund the takeover, which is likely to start at £ 2b, even at a discount. (And we “only” owe £ 1.5b, Hans, my friend!) Attracting more investors is a standard deal, of course, but as the number of hands counting money and looking at spreadsheets grows, the focus tends to be more – He wins a little football. Although anyone who followed Abramovich, and when that may or may not happen under any circumstances, will probably never be as benevolent to the club as he was.

In any case, if Abramovich asks “too much”, I don’t really see how he is “in a panic”, but in spite of everything else, one begins to wonder when he can decide that all this is too much trouble for him personally. We all love Chelsea, the club, the organization, the idea, the shared experience and we can only assume that he loves it too – but love saved the day only in Interstellarand that involved traveling through a black hole.