Former Walt Disney Corp. Chair Michael Eisner "is in negotiations to take ownership" of League Two side Portsmouth, according to Neil Allen of the Portsmouth NEWS. The 75-year-old is "eager to become involved in an English football club through his Tornante investment group." But Portsmouth CEO Mark Catlin insisted "any prospective deal would have to be put forward to shareholders." Catlin said, "Regarding any potential new investment in the club ... the directors would firstly conduct a period of due diligence ... All shareholders would be involved from the start of the ensuing process." Eisner's CV includes 21 years at Disney as CEO and chair, before departing in '05. It is understood Eisner is also "attracted by the story of how the club was saved by its supporters" in April '13 and the "successful financial restructuring since emerging from administration." He last week held negotiations in Portsmouth. The club's board has been "scrutinising" whether the Tornante investment group represents "credible interest," with the club having been "stung by a succession of bad owners in the past during its well-publicised demise." As the largest single shareholder, the Pompey Supporters' Trust's 48.48% stake will be "crucial in deciding the outcome." Pompey's remaining 51.52% shares are distributed among the 16 presidents, who will vote individually (THE NEWS, 3/20). The BBC reported Eisner "previously considered investing in Championship club Reading." Eisner set up Tornante as a private company following his departure from Disney. Portsmouth is "currently in the League Two automatic promotion places with eight games remaining this season" (BBC, 3/20).
