Why does ML want a valuation if SISU are no longer interested in the Ricoh. They need to either shut up about the Ricoh and get on with the new ground or tell everyone there is no new ground and they need the Ricoh.
An independent valuation seems a waste of time. On what basis would they value, there's so many variables? Do they value with or without the club there, do they value on the past years accounts or future projections, do they value on the basis ACL need to sell or the basis of a buyer trying to make an offer that won't be ignored, do they value for a sale or for a value for accounting purposes? This just seems like an easy soundbite for ML to come out with.
If SISU want the Ricoh don't wait around for someone else to value it, get one done and put an offer in. If there information they need they don't have access to put caveats in the offer and go through those points during due diligence. Do that and they might start to see a shift in support towards their version of the truth and it will pressure the council to respond and justify their decision if they reject the offer out of hand. This seems to be a recurring thing with SISU, less talk and more action is needed. Stop saying the council won't do this or that and call their bluff.