Article Taxonomy: Takeovers

Articles on football club takeovers and related issues

Usmanov increases Arsenal stake

by

Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov has increased his stake in Arsenal to over 29 per cent through his Red and White vehicle.  The shares were purchased from Arsenal Holdings at £14,000 each, £2,250 more than Stan Kroenke was prepared to offer.   Kroenke’s holding in Arsenal stands at 66.1 per cent.


Usmanov has tried to position himself as a fans’ friend in recent weeks, criticising the board for the club’s lack of silverware.   The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust has consistently said that it does not want one person to control the club.

Foreign owners make continental moves

by

Until recently potential buyers of football club looked at the Premier League in England or possibly at the Championship if they thought a promising bargain was available.   Even Charlton went through a due diligence process with buyers from the Gulf.

New owners at Portsmouth

by

Portsmouth FC have been acquired by a company controlled by Vladimir Antonov, a London-based Russian businessman.   Convers Sports Initiatives owns a list of sports teams and franchises including the Spartak Moscow ice hockey team.   It also has an interest in the Isle of Man TT motor cycle races.

West Ham reject Fernandes bid

by

We all know that the social medium Twitter is becoming more important, but I cannot recall anyone making an offer to invest in a football club via a tweet before.   But this is what Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes did yesterday, overshadowing Sam Allerdyce’s first day at Upton Park..   It is thought that Fernandes was interested in the 35 per cent stake formerly held by CB Holdings.

Usmanov wants his say

by

Alisher Usmanov, who holds a 27 per cent stake in Arsenal, has made it clear that he wants a greater say in the running of the club.   He has written to new majority shareholder Stan Kroenke asking for a meeting, but so far has had no response. 

Mittal considers his options at QPR

by

Steel baron Lakshmi Mittal is reported to be re-considering his share ownership options at Queens Park Rangers after the club was promoted to the Premiership.  Up to now he has always said that he never intended to be a long-term shareholder let alone take over the majority stake.

No complete control for Kroenke at Arsenal

by

Stan Kroenke is unlikely to gain the 75 per cent holding he would need at Arsenal to instigate a major capital restucturing of the business.   His holding is likely to be not much more than the current figure of just under 63 per cent which means that he can control the day-to-day running of the business including player transfers and contracts.


Alisher Usmanov’s Red & White Holdings company have indicated that they will not accept Kroenke’s offer and are still picking up odd shares where they can to enhance their 27 per cent stake.

Irish group in for Argyle

by

A mystery Irish consortium has been given preferential status to bid for Plymouth Argyle by administrator Brendan Guilfoyle.   The group – who are working with investment company BCK Wealth Management – is expected to pay a six-figure sum to secure exclusivity, putting paid to bids from Devon-based businessman James Brent (who was the front runner to buy the club) and property developer Paul Buttivant.

Rangers takeover nears completion

by

The protracted takeover of Rangers looks as if its nearing completion.   London-based businessman Craig Whyte has been negotiating to acquire the club since mid-November last year.   There have been many twists and turns along the way, but it looks as if a deal will be done within the next 24 hours.

Bates buyout at Leeds

by

Ken Bates has become the controlling shareholder at Leeds United, but this move does not completely resolve the mysteries surrounding the ownership of the club and leaves some unanswered questions.