Potential New Zealand Warriors Buyer Pulls Out Of Purchase, Blames 'Confusing Sales Process'

Auckland businessman Paul Davys "abandoned plans to buy" National Rugby League side New Zealand Warriors after his bid was rejected by Owner Eric Watson, according to David Skipwith of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. Davys confirmed he would "not be following through with plans to buy" the franchise, blaming a "confusing process" as the reason why the deal "fell through." His offer of NZ$15M ($10.8M) on Tuesday was "knocked back" by Watson, who was "holding out seeking" NZ$20M ($14.5M) for the club he has owned in part since '00. Davys "expressed his frustration over the way negotiations were handled by Watson" and said that he "received mixed messages about whether his bid would be accepted." He added, "Eric made it known to me last night that he was not happy with my offer which by the way was a good and fair offer that two weeks ago was accepted subject to due diligence which was to take place this week. ... To say I'm disappointed is an understatement" (NZ HERALD, 8/23).