Quinlan has eye on golf course
The Savoy Hotel group, which was acquired by Mr Quinlan’s firm earlier this year, is a minority shareholder in the Surrey course and it has exercised its pre-emption right to join the bidding war for Wentworth.
He is the second Irishman to express an interest in the club.
Sean Quinn, the owner of the Quinn Direct insurance firm and the Barlo plastics group, had tabled the highest offer of €149 million, but Mr Quinlan was reported to have to match the price of the recommended bid by retailer Richard Caring of €146m.
Though Mr Quinn has indicated a higher bid, Mr Caring has the backing of Chelsfield, the property company that owns 60% of Wentworth, which said it would not switch its allegiance unless it got an offer 10% above Mr Caring’s.
The entrance of Mr Quinlan at this late stage should not be discounted. His investors are some of the wealthiest people in Ireland.
