04.08.2009

A Liebherr buys Southampton FC

Having no southern English football fans on board we missed the fact that a member of the Liebherr crane family has purchased Southampton Football Club.

Markus Liebherr, 61, one of Hans Liebherr’s sons and owner of the Mali group that owns several companies specialising in advanced technology relating to common-rail fuel injection systems and transmissions.
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Markus Liebherr at his first Southampton game as owner - a freindly with Ajax

Liebherr who inherited an equal share in the crane and construction equipment business reportedly relinquished, sold or transferred his shares to the other members of the family who are involved in the day to day running of the business.

He says that he was attracted to the fist division club by a number of qualities which include “the club's rich sporting heritage, loyal fan base, first-class stadium and training facilities and the potential for the Saints to regain their rightful place in the higher echelons of English football.”

Having acquired the business he said: "I believe we have a superb opportunity to rebuild this great club. Clearly this will require resources, planning, hard work and patience. We will assemble a strong management team at every level of the club. We will act rapidly but also plan for the long term, because I am here for the long term.”

"I also look forward to the club re-engaging with the fans and the local community. We cannot succeed without their backing. We should not expect instant success but our fans, employees and other stakeholders can expect 100 percent commitment from me and my team."