§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
According to what criteria they can intervene in takeovers of football clubs by non-United Kingdom citizens; and whether they are giving any consideration to strengthening their power to intervene. [HL4494]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleMergers and takeovers are considered by the independent competition authorities against a competition test. Ministers can intervene only in cases which raise tightly defined "public interest considerations". The only considerations currently specified relate to national security and media mergers. There are no public interest considerations relevant to takeovers of football clubs, or to takeovers generally by non-UK citizens, in the Enterprise Act and there are no plans to change this.
§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action is open to them to prevent Manchester United Football Club being taken over by a single owner. [HL4495]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleUnder the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 it is for the independent competition authorities to determine whether an acquisition of Manchester United Football Club, if it reaches the qualifying thresholds for investigation, should be allowed to proceed. The legislation does not draw a distinction between how single acquirers and groups of acquirers should be treated.