Man U group to distribute 'stop Glazer' placards Tampa Bay Business Journal November 5th 2004 Shareholders United, the Manchester England-based advocacy group that opposes Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer's bid to control soccer powerhouse Manchester United, is kicking up the volume on its effort this weekend. It has created a Web link for supporters to download a printable sign, which it's asking its fans to hold up during Manchester United's Sunday match at its home field, Old Trafford Stadium. "We will be distributing 40,000 STOP GLAZER cards before and after the match. Please help if you can -- we need everyone to do their bit. It need only take a few minutes immediately after final whistle or perhaps longer leading up to kick off if you're happy to do so," a statement sent in an e-mail to supporters reads. "A march is not planned on Sunday as we are concentrating on handing out cards and forms as well as talking to as many supporters as possible to get them to join us," the group said in an e-mail to shareholders. "With the news that Glazer is coming back with a new offer it is now crucial to show a United front and get as many supporters as possible on board," the statement reads. Earlier this week, Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer stepped up his takeover bid for British soccer club Manchester United PLC by revising his offer to buy out the team's largest owners. Glazer, now the team's second-largest owner, made a new offer to John Magnier and J.P. McManus for their 28.9-percent stake in the club, according to British press reports Thursday. Talks between both parties broke down last month after Glazer reportedly offered approximately $486 million for those shares, on condition that Glazer gain control of 75 percent of the team's stock. Glazer has amassed a 28.1-percent stake in Man U, which trades on the London Stock Exchange. Fans have expressed concern that allowing Glazer to own at least 50 percent of the team could have a detrimental effect on its performance, both financially and on the field. Man U's board of directors had formally rejected Glazer's bid Oct. 25, stating that the leveraged buyout would require too much debt. Glazer's family has pledged not to sell the Bucs as part of their bid to buy the soccer club. Shareholders United evolved from the group Shareholders United Against Murdoch (SUAM) founded Sept. 8, 1998, two days after BSkyB announced their bid to take over Manchester United. It was credited with having played a major role in the decision-making process. The primary aim of not-for-profit Shareholders United is to maintain the independence of Manchester United through ownership of shares by supporters of the football club, according to its Web site. The group says it is assisted by a selected group of professional advisers, and is "supported by 'celebrity' Patrons from all walks of life."
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