West Ham United Joint-Chair Vanessa Gold has today has announced via the club website that she may consider selling a proportion of her family’s shares in the football club.
Meanwhile, Sky News seem to suggest the decision has been made and that she is working with bankers at Rothschild to do so.
Vanessa Ms Gold said: “I would consider selling a proportion of our shares to the right partner. I have spoken to each of the other three major shareholders at West Ham United, David Sullivan, Daniel Křetínský and Tripp Smith, who have been very supportive.
“Any transaction to purchase some of our shares will be with my father’s legacy at the forefront of my mind which, of course, prioritises his beloved West Ham United.”
She added that she had indeed appointed Rothschild & Co to advise on any discussions and will keep the other shareholders, the Club and our supporters updated on any significant developments.”
This will of course get the West Ham takeover talk started again but as the report from Sky claims with just 10 per cent of the shares going up for sale that would give nobody overall control.
David Sullivan – who is believed to have first refusal of the Gold shares – has around 38 per cent and Daniel Kretinsky 27.5 per cent.
But with 51 per cent required for any party to have overall control that isn’t going to happen this time around.
And it may be more likely that Tripp Smith may step up his interest from around 5 per cent or that a new buyer may come in for those available.
Given her statement that her father’s legacy for his beloved club will be at the forefront of her mind it also seems nailed on that she will be remaining at the club as vice chair with her own shareholding of around 15 per cent which would see the club continue on its present basis.