Takeover talks put down as speculation by Argyle

PILGRIMS CEO PARKINSON REFUSES TO BE DRAWN ON BUY-OUT TALKS

- By CHRIS ERRINGTON

ANDREW Parkinson has described reports of a Plymouth Argyle takeover bid by a private equity group from the United States, fronted by former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, as 'speculation'.

Argyle’s chief executive officer was responding to stories, first published by The Telegraph on Monday, that the US group, which includes members of the American-based Storch family, were in talks about an interest in taking full control at Home Park.

Parkinson was asked about that during the introductory Press conference for new Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley at Home Park yesterday afternoon.

“That was really speculation and you would expect me to say that we are not in a position to be able to talk about any individuals or any investors, but of course when we have got the opportunity to do that we will do,” said Parkinson.

Argyle majority owner and chairman Simon Hallett has made no secret over the last couple of years of his desire to find additional funding for Argyle from new investors.

He confirmed in a Chairman's Chat column for the club's official club website on May 31 that one one proposed, which had been discussed for around 12 months, had fallen through.