Barcelona defender Gerard Pique came close to completing a takeover for English clubs Notts County earlier this year, say reports.
157-year-old Notts County were the “world's oldest football league club” until their relegation to the fifth tier earlier this year, which led to the potential takeover.
According to ESPN FC: “Pique's Kosmos Global Holding group held talks with County's former owner Alan Hardy in London earlier this year.
“However, with a court date pending over an unpaid tax bill, Hardy was forced to accept an offer from Danish brothers Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz at the end of July.”
The former Spain international, through his company Kosmos, have recently taken control of Gimnàstic Manresawho will subsequently become an affiliate of FC Andorra – whom Pique officially bought in January.
That move saw Kosmos take full responsibility for the club’s debt after Andorra’s directors sanctioned the move at a general meeting, with the portfolio of clubs now growing.
The plans are said to be focused on Andorra becoming a professional club who will compete in the top two divisions of Spanish football, with Gimàstic providing support in allowing this reality to unfold.
Pique will now become the club’s leading shareholder while the move will ensure that Gimàstic Manresa will become a Sports Public Limited Company.
FC Andorra currently compete in the Primera Catalana – the fifth level of Spanish football – but played in the third tier between 1980 and 1998, with a Copa del Rey fourth round appearance in 1991.
Pique’s company Kosmos also have made business moves in tennis, esports, video games, eyeglasses, isotonic drinks and organic hamburgers.
