Preston North End are the subject of takeover speculation, with two separate parties from the United States said to be interested.
The Lancashire Post reported, on Monday, that a New York-based consortium have shown interest in the Deepdale outfit. The group, believed to be a Private Equity Firm, are looking at a couple of other English clubs too. The first party mentioned in the media, though, were a ‘mystery Miami group’ – a
s per reports last weekend.
A £50 million asking price was mentioned in that story, although it was also reported that the “mystery group” was considering a smaller amount. The football team’s estimated valuation is closer to £45 million. Since 2010, the Hemmings family has controlled PNE, and following the death of Trevor Hemmings in 2021, his son and club chairman Craig Hemmings has approved all financial matters.
Ryan Lowe, the manager of North End, has consistently received support; in summer, the team smashed its transfer record by signing Milutin Osmajic for £2.15 million. The Hemmings family contributed about £11 million in 2022–2023, and their support has kept this effort going. PNE is still in capable hands, but the ownership has consistently stated that it will not obstruct the acquisition of the company, should the proper buyer arise. Therefore, I’m not actively searching to sell, but I would be pleased to in the right situation.
“While I was born and raised in Preston and I am proud of the state of the club under my family’s custodianship, we will never stand in the way if anyone approaches us and can demonstrate the financial resources to take us to the next step,” Craig Hemmings stated in a statement in September 2022. Changes in ownership may occasionally be beneficial or detrimental, but only time can tell. We will cooperate with any subsequent interested parties, and if it turns out that they are capable of taking the club forward, we will be the first to step aside and wish them luck in the future.
