Vitesse has received concrete offers from four parties interested in taking over the struggling club. The details of the offers, including the identities of the bidders and the amounts involved, have not been disclosed yet. These new investors are crucial for the club, especially since the “Plan Arnhem” has not gained enough traction and is no longer a viable option, according to the Vitesse management.
The fact that multiple parties have come forward at the last minute to express interest in acquiring Vitesse marks a new development in the ongoing crisis that has plagued the club for almost two years. While this turn of events offers some hope for Vitesse’s future, there is still a long way to go before any resolution is reached. Monday marks a significant deadline for the club, as the management is required to submit a budget to the KNVB licensing committee that must be financially sound. If the budget is rejected, Vitesse will certainly appeal the decision and may even resort to legal action.
Interim director Edwin Reijntjes confirmed that Vitesse has received several concrete offers, with four parties, including Dutch investors, in the mix. However, notable figures like Maasbert Schouten and stadium owner Michael van de Kuit are no longer considered viable options for the club due to differing views on cost-cutting measures. The club will carefully evaluate the offers on Thursday to determine their feasibility and alignment with both Vitesse’s and the licensing committee’s requirements.
One of the major hurdles facing Vitesse is the substantial debt of around €19 million, with the largest creditor being Coley Parry, who has outstanding loans totaling €14.3 million. Reijntjes emphasized the importance of resolving past financial issues to secure the club’s future prospects and attract potential investors. Despite the challenges in negotiating with Parry, both parties are striving to reach a mutually agreeable solution before time runs out.
Following a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised over €2 million, Vitesse hoped to garner support from the local business community. However, the response fell short of expectations, with only a fraction of the targeted amount secured. The club’s management is counting on regional businesses to provide a solid foundation for the club’s future, given that the “Plan Arnhem” has not materialized as hoped.
As Vitesse works towards presenting a budget to the KNVB, the financial outlook for the upcoming season indicates a shortfall of €5 million, which the new ownership would be expected to cover. The club’s projected income stands at approximately €12 million, while expenses are estimated to reach €17 million. The potential takeover offers a glimmer of hope for Vitesse’s financial stability and long-term viability, provided that a suitable agreement can be reached with all parties involved.