Americans complete Liverpool takeover

American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks have this morning had their takeover of Liverpool rubber-stamped by the Stock Exchange.

An announcement released this morning on behalf of Kop Football Limited confirmed the pair have reached an agreement to buy 98.6 per cent of the club's shares.

Under Stock Exchange rules the remaining shares can now be compulsorily purchased and Gillett and Hicks' offer is "closed".

The announcement also confirmed the duo will seek to re-register the club as a private limited company (plc).

Liverpool's board initially agreed to the takeover on February 6 after rejecting a rival bid from Dubai International Capital.

Earlier this month Hicks and Gillett gained unconditional control of the club by passing the 80 per cent threshold of share agreements, and today's announcement brings their takeover to a conclusion.