Intermarket's bid to buy West Ham United suffered a major blow after it was revealed that front man Jim Bowe has died.
59-year-old Bowe was hired by the group in September of last year as Chief Operating Officer but died unexpectedly at his home in the States on Sunday. His death was called a 'terrible blow' by Intermarket's David Byrne, who said:"Jim had been my friend for two decades. We worked on deals together and it had always been my ambition to work with him in the same company.
"We had many plans for the future. West Ham was the first of them. His death is a terrible blow, but he would have wanted us to carry on and give it our all. If we win this race it will all be because of, and for, Jim."
On the bid itself, Byrne added: "I believe we're offering the best package as well as guaranteed funds for this transfer window. We are the only party prepared to sign a 10-year commitment to stay at the club.
"Jim Bowe's death is a terrible blow, but he would have wanted us to carry on and give it our all. We will do all we can to take West Ham into a prosperous future off the pitch and a successful one on it."
Intermarket have been touted as favourites to win the race for control of the club by the News of the World, who have backed the group from the start. However that is not the case elsewhere, with the Telegraph today citing Tony Fernandes' as favourite - and the Mirror claiming David Gold and David Sullivan remain in pole position.
Talks between potential bidders and Rothschild, the bankers appointed by CB Holdings are expected to continue today with Tony Fernandes due to fly into London shortly.
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