Reading FC takeover: Investor with Dell links in talks

61-year-old Robert Platek, with links to a private investment firm tied to Michael Dell of Dell Technologies, DFO and formerly MSD, signed an exclusivity agreement yesterday.

In 2019, he was part of a group linked to taking over Sunderland from Stewart Donald, but Kyril Louis-Dreyfus took over the Black Cats instead.

A keen investor in football, Mr Platek purchased Italian side Spezia in 2021 but has recently sold them.

Also owning Portuguese side Casa Pia, they sit sixth in the Primeira Liga.

He previously owned SonderjyskE in Denmark, which was not as successful and ended in relegation.

Reading Football Club confirmed on Monday afternoon that it had entered exclusive negotiations with an unnamed party and that 'the structure of the deal should allow for a quick completion.'

The Reading Chronicle understands, from multiple sources, that this is Mr Platek, although the intricacies of the deal remain under wraps.

Fellow American Rob Couhig, who was the previous party closest to taking over, remains locked in a legal dispute with owner Dai Yongge, but this is not expected to impact the deal.

Reading Football Club have refused to comment, while the Reading Chronicle were unable to reach Mr Platek.

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