Liebherr pens open letter to Saints fans

Katharina Liebherr has written to Southampton fans following the announcement that Lander Sports Development is to purchase a stake in the Premier League club.

The company released a statement to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on Thursday confirming that it had signed an agreement with Liebherr.

There have been suggestions that the agreement amounts to a takeover of the club, but Saints owner Liebherr has moved to ease the fears of supporters.

In an open letter to the fans, Liebherr wrote: "I am writing to you in relation to an announcement made in China today about Southampton Football Club and Lander Holding.

"Please understand that I can only make limited comments regarding this process but I can assure you that any steps we do take will be in the best interests of the club. A potential partnership would need to clear multiple approvals and fulfil strict criteria before being confirmed.

"The Premier League is increasingly competitive; we need to keep moving forward and look to new markets for commercial growth, innovation and to share our journey. Together we have had many years of progression and success, and ensuring this continues is the main focus of any possible partnership.

"I cannot thank you enough for the continued support you give Southampton Football Club, and it makes me so proud to think we will soon be experiencing a major final together at Wembley. I hope you enjoy what will be a brilliant day for our club and look forward to a successful future together.

"We March On."

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