Impact contemplates football club acquisition

Real estate developer Impact Bucharest made a bid of over 1 million dollars to buy the controlling interests in Universitatea Cluj football club, the main shareholder says. “We made an offer ranging between 1 and 2 million dollars to the Cluj Local Council, the owner of over 80% in the club. If we get a positive response, we are to discuss with the other shareholders of the club,” Ioan Popp (photo), Impact chairman told ZIARUL FINANCIAR. The shareholders of Universitatea Cluj include Banca Transilvania. Popp says the decision to invest in Universitatea Cluj is intended to promote the image of Impact in Cluj. Although the Impact chairman also has sentimental reasons for choosing this football club, since he was born in Cluj and is a supporter of the team. “The decision is related to our wish to enter the real estate market in Cluj, with the closeness to football being a way to promote the company’s image and to get close to the people in Cluj, who are mostly supporters of the Universitatea team. Moreover, I am from Cluj and have lovely memories about this team. Many of my fellow high-school students are Universitatea supporters, therefore I am bound to do something for this team,” Popp explained. Universitatea Cluj is currently in the second tier of Romanian football, finishing the season in the third place. The club, established in 1919, has won a Cup of Romania in the past.