The news from EXWHUEmployee that an American investor or investors are preparing a bid for West Ham has started a guessing game as to who the mega-rich individual could be.
One name linked two years ago on this site is American Robert “Bobby” Kotick. The former long-term CEO of games company Activision Blizzard, home of the famous Call of Duty and Candy Crush games, stepped down after Microsoft’s $75 billion acquisition of the games giant.
He is reported to have retained an interest in investing in a Premier League club. Estimates of his net worth vary, but one report values him at up to $7 billion (£5.2bn).
Bobby Kotick
American golfer Billy Horschel, who has often declared his love for the Hammers, is unlikely to be in the frame with a net worth of £25m, even as part of a consortium.
And Tripp Smith, who already owns 8%, should not be ruled out; he would certainly be a prime candidate to lead an American consortium and has many financial contacts who could easily raise the money required.
Whoever the mystery Americans are, they will need to provide ‘proof of funds’ to be taken seriously and get to look at West Ham’s books in a data room.
According to the report, the investors have not approached the club as yet, so their identity will more than likely be a mystery to the Hammers board, too.
It makes little difference how much money they have.
FFP doesn’t let you spend money, look at Newcastle…
Growth comes from revenue, and we don’t own anything to increase revenue. We outsourced catering, don’t own the ground to do other events etc. can’t even support the women’s team.
The only way to improve is to improve playing side and Sullivan is clueless.
Getting rid of him is the only bonus, in reality only a few clubs are run well, we’re just the worst.
There is no “takeover”. They’re just showing interest in the Gold family shares. Doesn’t mean they will buy them. Once they meet Sully they’ll run for the hills. Sully makes Trump look like an angel
Unless they remove Sullivan then I’m not interested. If that man stays this club will always struggle to grow into a top side. That is what we were promised when we moved stadiums and still we’re waiting.
Perhaps it’s best if Westham are taken over by an investment company because they’ll want their investment to go up in value . Westham’s problems are caused by being run by an amateur who likes to wheeler deal . These days succeeding as a club requires professionalism at all levels . The right staff to offer continuity . The right DOF to select coach and players . Steidten was a great deal clincher but not right as DOF because of his inability to focus on the primary objective of quality striker ( 25 million on Guilherme and 25 million on Fulkrug instead of the obvious 45 million on Duran ) . 25 percent up for sale combined with Kretinsky’s 27 percent equals 52 percent , a majority . It’s time to clear out the old and in with the new in order to propel Westham to the next level , UP .
thank you for this
It can be the ‘richest’ people in the world. Whoever it is, it will be a business investment. Totally heartless with money people trying to feign an interest in the club. Chancers looking to buy London Stadium for a knock-down price. Take it so far and then sell up at a profit moving on to the next one. All of these ‘owners’ are just debt facilitators. Owning the club under one name. Owning the site under another. All on borrowed money (which they are lending to themselves) ensuring that they retain their investment whilst it all goes tits up.
Much prefer the type of owners that we have at the moment. They have a hands-on interest in the club. Mega-rich investors come at the cost of appointed workers to run the investment. Might work for Manchester United, Real Madrid, PSG et al but could be the death of West Ham United.
COYI
Funny how this news has come out the same time as bad season ticket sales eh? 🤔
Again who’s going to buy a season ticket on a rumour. Same nonsense gets spouted during the transfer window .
Just thinking the same thing. Happens every time be it take over news or spending loads of money on top rated players. Pathetic.
When I watched the west ham way video, it referred to a purchase of the Gold family shares thought to be worth 25.1% there was no mentions of a takeover at this tine
One thing’s for sure, something needs to hapoen ! – sick of seeing this club limp along under Sully’s stewardship. It’s become embarrassing being a West Ham fan. Lowest the fan base has ever felt at the moment, and about time one of the most loyal sets of fans in football had something to cheer.
100% its horrible mate I totally agree..we tried everything else …..BUT WE NEED NEW OWNERS NOW ! …as the gent says above ..ticket sales are down so the club prob got in touch with gonzo and said put something positive up so we can sell tickets….normally it’s no money post or players we can’t get ..or it’s about selling our best players….fkig joke
Please can Sullivan go away, we can’t stand him
Anyone is better than the existing owners….maybe?
Takeovers… The club needs to be run more professionally, it is not a plaything. That said takeovers are also a leap in the dark, remember the Icelanders, Eggert Magnusson, etc.
But we should be the 7th largest club by revenue and so finishing somewhere near to 7th not 17th.
Speculation etc. 🙄
Jeff Bezos (Amazon) has been rumoured to be interested in getting involved with professional sports AND I saw a Used 2007/8 season West Ham top for sale on Amazon, so it must happening!
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Amazon. Free delivery?
Sullivan likes a freebie!
nailed it