The American family involved in takeover talks at Carlisle United have issued their first public comments on the situation.

The Piataks say they are “thrilled” by the prospect of “elevating the club to new heights”.

The family, in a statement via the UK company they recently set up – Castle Sports Group – also pledge to provide “long-term investment” to safeguard the Blues’ financial security as well as for the club to “thrive” in a number of ways.

But the Piataks also warn that any deal cannot fully progress until the issue of the club’s debt to Purepay Retail Limited is resolved.

They describe that matter as a “significant hurdle” yet to be cleared despite the club hierarchy’s long-standing efforts.

The Piatak family, headed by Florida-based Magellan Transport Logistics owner/CEO Tom Piatak, use their statement to emphasise the importance of community in their proposed investment in the club, which they confirm relates to a “change of control” at the top of the Brunton Park club.

They also believe a takeover will lead to “exciting new possibilities” ranging from the signing of players, improving facilities and developing the matchday experience for fans.

The statement does not include details of specific plans or proposed levels of investment, nor the Piataks’ original motivation for getting involved with the Cumbrian club.

The Jacksonville family say discussions remain “highly sensitive” and the finer details are subject to change as talks progress.

They will meet members of supporters’ trust CUOSC in a meeting in Carlisle on September 24.

The statement comes more than a month after the News & Star first revealed the Florida family’s interest in the club, with members of the family having attended a number of United games.

The full statement says:

Dear Carlisle United Football Fans,

We hope this message finds you in good spirits and filled with the same passion and excitement for football that has united all fans over the years.

 

As the club and shareholders have confirmed last week, we also can confirm the Piatak family is in advanced negotiations in relation to investment in the club and a change of control.

 

We have entered into and are working through a period of exclusivity with them, with a view to concluding this transaction.

We are thrilled by this news.

 

Of course, any transaction is subject to contract, EFL approval and the participation of CUOSC. We are really looking forward to meeting fans next week. This is important to us.

 

While we want to emphasize that these discussions are in advanced stages, there remains one significant hurdle, resolution of the Purepay debt.

 

Despite the current club shareholders’ and directors’ best efforts over the past year to resolve the debt issue, it remains open at this time.

 

The Purepay debt must be resolved for this transaction to move forward. Once resolved, we believe this could mark a significant milestone in the club’s journey and an extraordinary opportunity for the club and one we are excited about.

 

  • Ambition: acquiring the club reflects our commitment and ambition to expanding CUFC’s presence in the game of football. It represents a bold step forward in our ambition to elevate the club to new heights and fulfil its potential.
  • Community connection: we understand the importance of community and the unique bond between fans and the local football club. We intend to build upon this bond and establish our connection with the local communities.
  • Exciting possibilities: this potential acquisition opens many exciting new possibilities for the club, from increased support for recruiting and retaining players and improving facilities and development to enhanced matchday experiences for you, the loyal fans. We want to see as much of our initial investment stay in the club to bring the maximum benefit to the club from the start. At the same time, we can provide the long-term investment and financial security for the club not just to survive but thrive.

We want to assure you that we see your support is essential to the success of the club. Please understand that these discussions are highly sensitive, and specific details are subject to change as we progress.

 

Rest assured, we are working diligently to ensure that the potential acquisition and we as prospective owners meet the expectations of CUFC’s incredible fan base.

 

Your enthusiasm, passion and unwavering support have been the driving force behind the club’s success, we have seen it first-hand ourselves already from the stand and terrace.

 

We look forward to sharing our plans and vision on September 24th at 14.00hrs.

 

For all official communication follow @CastleSportsGrp on twitter.

Warm regards from the Piatak Family.