American businessman Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, on Monday entered into exclusive discussions for the acquisition of Marseille football club, reports The Times of India.
McCourt sealed the deal in a meeting with incumbent owner Margarita Louis-Dreyfus and Marseille mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin, saying afterwards that there was a process under way that would lead to the takeover being completed in a few weeks, although a later statement said "before the end of the year".
"Being part of Olympique de Marseille (OM) and helping the club achieve success both on the pitch and off, would be an honour and privilege for me and my family," McCourt said.
"Not only is OM one of the oldest and most respected clubs in the world and the only French club to win the UEFA Champions League, it is one the most iconic brands in all of sports.
"OM enjoys the passionate support of legions of fans in Marseille, throughout France and around the world."
McCourt added: "As the steward of OM, my ambition would be to help return the club to championship form, to deliver the best fan experience in all of football, to strengthen the club's ties with supporters and the city of Marseille and to guide the club towards long-term financial stability."
McCourt is president of McCourt LP, a family enterprise founded in 1893 focused on "building value for future generations through entrepreneurial, strategic, and philanthropic investments".
Read more of this AFP report published by The Times of India.