STOCKS NEWS EUROPE-AS Roma drops as takeover talks fail

Shares in AS Roma (ASR.MI) fall almost 9 percent, continuing their recent decline, after the Italian soccer club's main shareholder say a Swiss consortium has failed to find agreement over a takeover.

Traders point to the statement as the reason why the stock is down.

Club owner Italpetroli had been checking whether the group, headed by soccer agent Vinicio Fioranelli, had the funds to buy the club but a statement late on Thursday said there had been no conclusion to talks despite efforts being made.

Billionaire investor George Soros walked away last year after talks to take over the club also stalled.

Fans, disappointed by Roma's sixth-place finish in the Italian league this season, have called for fresh investment and other parties have shown interest.

Reuters Messaging: rm://mark.meadows.reuters.com@reuters.net