When an asset becomes a daunting liability

With Ukio Bankas bankrupt there is an acceptance that Hearts, who owe the bank in the region of £15m, will go into administration shortly after the end of the season.  This might not be the case.

Hearts major problem is their major asset, Tynecastle Stadium, which occupies a valuable patch of land in Edinburgh.  If administrators acting on behalf of Ukio have free access to the stadium they may shut it and look to recoup their loans by selling the land.  There is a possibility Hearts could be a football club without a stadium, but that does not necessarily mean they will go into administration.  Without a stadium to use the club would be liquidated but there is a possibility they would be able ground-share.

Hearts tested the land value before the property crash and received an offer of £22m from a house builder.

Alternatively the bank’s administrators could use their considerable influence over how the club is managed to sell their shares or come to some other arrangement (Ticketus, anyone?). When the major creditor has this much control of the company without administration, going through the formal process could actually harm their chances of getting their money back.

Hoops 4 Haiti, who assist in the relief of poverty and suffering in Haiti, are holding a traditional Irish music night at Roderick Dhu on Waterloo St, Glasgow on Saturday 11 May.  Live entertainment and a buffet for only £7.50, get your tickets here.  You can find out more about Hoops 4 Haiti here.
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