THE Rose Bowl, new home of Hampshire County Cricket Club, has extended its share offer till the end of May.

But the company confirmed that it has successfully raised the minimum amount of £2.4m under the offer.

Advised by Matrix Corporate Finance, the company has so far received investment funds from a combination of Hampshire County Cricket Club members, directors and the retail market.

It says the offer will be extended until May 31 and discussions are currently under way with a syndicate of venture capital trusts.

The Rose Bowl company hopes to raise up to £5m under the offer at £1 per share. Chairman Rod Bransgrove said: "We are pleased to be able to announce that the minimum amount of £2.4m has been reached.

"The offer will now be extended so that we are able to continue discussions with further potential investors. We look forward to this next stage of development of the Rose Bowl.''