Goals gets extra time for takeover

The potential takeover of five-a-side operator Goals Soccer Centres moved into its third period of extra time yesterday.

The Takeover Panel said that at the request of the UK company it would give the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan another month to continue going over the books.

Analysts are expecting a bid of around 130p a share, valuing Goals at some £60m.

The new deadline is 9 July.

Goals currently has 42 centres in the UK and one in Los Angeles.

In February, the company reported a 21 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £9.2m, despite being hit by a tax ruling which cost it £800,000.