Arsenal Next Takeover Target? - 26/09/2006

With Chelsea and Manchester United already in foreign hands, Arsenal is the most attractive takeover target available. It looks as if the opening shots may have been fired with mystery investors acquiring £3.5m of the club's shares last week. More than 1 per cent of the club's shares were sold at about £5,000 each, the largest weekly trade in 18 months. Two years ago the shares were just £1,500 each. Only about 25 entities own more than 100 shares in the club, including the board, who are not believed to be the sellers and Granada Media which has a 9.9 per cent stake. Supporters have expressed concerned about the role of Lansdown Partners, a company with a history of investing in companies before takeovers, including Manchester United. It started buying shares in April last year and now has a 2.7 per cent stake in three different funds.