West Ham have once again been linked with a take over or investment by Chinese investors. In the last 24 hours news broke that Man City group sold a 13% stake in the club, worth £265m, to a consortium of Chinese investors.
City Football Group (CFG) has sold the stake to CMC (China Media Capital) and investment company Citic Capital. CFG is an investment and development company which is privately owned by Sheikh Mansour of the Abu Dhabi royal family. It also includes New York City FC, Melbourne City FC and Yokohama Marinos.
BBC reporter Dan Roan tweeted today that the same fate could happen to West Ham next year after the move to the Olympic Stadium. Roan who recently fronted a BBC documentary on the Olympic Stadium ‘How the Hammers stuck Gold’ said “Some suspect the one Chinese would really like is West Ham (Olympic Stadium, already own nearby land). Not for sale apparently, let’s see”
‘Who knows’ Is probably all you can say but noone would be surprised if it turns out to be true!
I think Roan is putting two and two together and making five. Because the Chinese have bought land in the Olympic Park redevelop they will bid on West Ham because the stadium is close by.
While a Chinese takeover seems unlikely the option of investment for the remaining 10% held by the Icedlandics would seem more likely which would be a similar deal to the recent Man City Group who sold 13%. It would also help promote West Ham to the massive Chinese market of over one billion people.
I’m not sure where the story is in this one, Sean.
Both Daves have always said that if a really irresistible offer came in from someone who could take the club further forwards, they’d consider it. Dan Roan’s just a ****stirrer who can’t resist a little dig at us when Man City are getting some more investment. But much as it’s an unpleasant consideration, it may be the age of our Chairmen that becomes the deciding factor; both great blokes and with the best of intentions, but no spring chickens. But the potential for a future Board after any such sad passings could be interesting…
The potential combination of Emma Benton-Hughes, Jackie Gold and Karren Brady in the Boardroom would certainly make West Ham different to any other club – if you get my drift. And maybe even worthy of Dan Roan’s proper attention!