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It’s official: Czech billionaire joins board

West Ham United have this afternoon officially announced that Czech investment group 1890s holdings a.s has completed the acquisition of 27% shares of WH Holding Ltd.

As part of the agreement, it is intended that 1890s holdings a.s Chairman Daniel Křetínský and his colleague Pavel Horský will become members of the Board of Directors of WH Holding Ltd.

A successful global investor, businessman and lawyer, Mr Křetínský’s investment follows diligent negotiations with the shareholders, including West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold.  

The agreement is a further improvement to the Club’s capital structure which will initially enable the reduction of its long-term debt and the ability to continue to direct funds generated into other key areas of focus, continuing the positive progress made at West Ham United in recent years. 

Commenting on the investment, Daniel Křetínský said: “I am delighted this detailed process has now been successfully concluded. I am passionate about football. I greatly appreciate and respect the exceptional history and tradition of West Ham United as well as its loyal and passionate supporter base and also the highly inspiring role it plays in many social programmes and initiatives. The development and growth of the Club in recent years has been clear for everyone to see and I am delighted to be part of what I believe is a very exciting future ahead. 

“Having been to the London Stadium recently to watch David Moyes’ team, I know it is an incredible time to become part of the West Ham United family. I feel privileged to now have the opportunity to help everyone here build on the proud traditions of this great Club.”

West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: “On behalf of the Board I am very pleased to welcome Daniel Křetínský, Pavel Horský and 1890s holdings a.s to West Ham United. We are always looking to continue to progress and Daniel’s involvement brings investment which strengthens the Club’s position, and in turn will assist in the development of the Club’s key areas of focus.

“David Sullivan and David Gold have always been very open about finding the right investors to join them on the journey as custodians of West Ham United, and Daniel’s strong business acumen and football experience will be of huge benefit to the Club. We very much look forward to working with him and Pavel.”

 

About Sean Whetstone

I am Season Ticket Holder in West stand lower at the London Stadium and before that, I used to stand in the Sir Trevor Brooking Lower Row R seat 159 in the Boleyn Ground and in the Eighties I stood on the terraces of the old South Bank. I am a presenter on the West Ham Podcast called MooreThanJustaPodcast.co.uk. A Blogger on WestHamTillIdie.com a member of the West Ham Supporters Advisory Board (SAB), Founder of a Youtube channel called Mr West Ham Football at http://www.youtube.com/MrWestHamFootball, I am also the associate editor here at Claret and Hugh. Life Long singer of bubbles! Come on you Irons! Follow me at @Westhamfootball on twitter

2 comments on “It’s official: Czech billionaire joins board

  1. Hopefully they will form a good relationship and with his business and foottball background attract better business deals and better players to the club. It would be nice to be debt free so we can really push on from a firmer financial footing. When you look at Barcelona, Madrid, teams like Everton etc across Europe, having little or no debt could give us an edge in the transfer market and I imagine with FFP. Wouldn’t mind seeing Hlozek come in either, judging by the Euro’s even if he does he will need time to acclimatise but he has a great team and coaches to support that COYI !!!

  2. How reassuring it is to see not only the calm, professional manner in which this shareholding has been purchased, which speaks volumes for the nature of Daniel Kretinsky himself, but also to have a man of this stature and integrity joining the board. This is a very significant and welcome day for the club.

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