SOUTHAMPTON Football Club has finally been bought.

Marcus Liebherr's bid to buy the club - which is believed to be around the £13m mark - is now complete.

Almost 100 days after Southampton Leisure Holdings were placed in administration, Mark Fry told the Daily Echo: "I am absolutely delighted the takeover has been completed.

"I am not only delighted that it has been completed but also that it has gone to who we feel was the right buyer.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way - the fans, staff, players and all the media for all their coverage."

Markus Liebherr will now install a new CEO and board of directors.

Below is a statement released by the club:

Southampton Leisure Holdings Plc Joint Administrator Mark Fry today confirms that DMWSL613 Limited has acquired the Company's assets, principally Southampton Football Club for an undisclosed sum.

The purchaser is owned and controlled by Markus Liebherr, 61, who is a Swiss national. Markus Liebherr also owns and controls the Swiss-based Mali Group, which consists of five companies engaged in technologically advanced engineering.

Mark Fry and his team from Begbies Traynor who have been in talks with a number of interested parties, were impressed by Markus Liebherr and his team's commitment and plans for the Club.

Joint Administrator Mark Fry commented: "The sale of the Saints to Markus Liebherr is a fantastic opportunity to rebuild the Club.

Markus Liebherr was attracted to Southampton by a number of qualities which include the Club's rich sporting heritage, loyal fan base, first class stadium and training facilities and the potential for the Saints to regain their rightful place at the higher echelons of English football.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all Saints' fans for their support and patience in what have been uncertain times for the Club. I would also like to wish both Markus and the Club well for future success."

More on this story to follow.