The proposed takeover of EPL side West Bromwich Albion has "fallen through" after Chair Jeremy Peace "ended talks with his preferred buyer," according to the EXPRESS & STAR. A deal "had looked imminent" after Peace entered into an "exclusivity period with a party, strongly rumoured to be from the Far East," earlier this month. But in a statement released by the club, he confirmed negotiations "had been suspended in the best interests of the club." Peace, who values the club at between £150M ($233M) and £200M ($310M), said, "I have today brought to a close the period of exclusivity announced on July 3 and suspended negotiations with the interested party involved over the sale of West Bromwich Albion Holdings Ltd. I entered into an exclusivity arrangement in good faith after agreeing terms for the sale but it is now clear to me that this potential purchaser is unable to fulfill the terms of that agreement at this time." Discussions have been ongoing with a number of groups since Peace, chair since '02, announced in February his decision to "offer up his share of the club." The chairman "remains committed to selling but while several parties remain interested, in reality it will now be several months before any deal could be concluded" (EXPRESS & STAR, 7/25).
