Saint-Étienne confirm takeover talks with Kilmer Sports Ventures

AS Saint-Étienne have confirmed that exclusive negotiations are underway with Canadian group Kilmer Sports Ventures regarding the purchase of the Ligue 2 club. 

After 20 years at the helm, Bernard Caïazzo and Rolan Romeyer have taken the decision to sell Saint-Étienne. After several weeks of discussions, they are now in exclusive negotiations with Kilmer Sports Ventures and their president, Ivan Gazidis. Caïazzo and Romeyer are looking to sell all of their shares in the historic French giants. 

ℹ️ Les actionnaires de l’AS Saint-Étienne et le groupe Canadien Kilmer Sports Ventures entrent en négociations exclusives en vue de l’acquisition du club.

In an official statement, ASSE stated that the sale of the club should be ratified within several weeks. Within that timeframe, not only is it hoped that Les Verts’ future off the field will be assured but there will also be more clarity on the pitch. With one game to go in Ligue 2, Saint-Étienne are third and bidding to break into the top two in order to secure a return to Ligue 1. Failing that, they will have to attempt to secure promotion via the play-offs. 

“As a lover of football, the Saint-Étienne nae represents something extremely powerful. I am extremely enthusiastic and proud to commit to a legendary club, whilst also having full awareness of the responsibility that that represents,” said Gazidis in the statement.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle