DMWSL613 Limited ("the purchaser") is pleased to announce that it has acquired the assets of Southampton Leisure Holdings, principally Southampton Football Club ("the Club"), for an undisclosed sum. The negotiations on behalf of the purchaser with the administrator were led throughout by Nicola Cortese, a director of Swiss-based Banque Heritage.

The purchaser is owned and controlled by Markus Liebherr, 61, who is a Swiss national. Markus Liebherr also owns and controls the Swiss-based Mali Group, which consists of five companies engaged in technologically advanced engineering.

Markus Liebherr was attracted to the opportunity of acquiring Southampton Football Club by a number of factors including the substantial and loyal fan base; its geographical catchment area on the South Coast; its stadium, training and Academy facilities; its heritage; and the long term potential of returning the Club to the higher reaches of English football.

Markus Liebherr commented:

"I believe we have a superb opportunity to rebuild this great Club. Clearly, this will require resources, planning, hard work and patience. We will assemble a strong management team at every level of the Club. We will act rapidly, but also plan for the long term, because I am here for the long term.

"I also look forward to the Club re-engaging with the fans and the local community. We cannot succeed with out their backing.

"We should not expect instant success, but our fans, employees and other stakeholders can expect 100 per cent commitment from me and my team."

It is expected that there will be media briefings on the new owner's detailed strategy during early August when he expects to have the full new management team in place.