A Times article claiming that Amanda Staveley’s consortium is close to buying a stake in West Ham United, which could signal a possible takeover of the club, has been described as inaccurate and highly speculative last night by those close to the club.
Conflicting Reports Over Share Sale
The report claims that the consortium led by Staveley, her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, and their firm, PCP Capital Partners, is believed to be in pole position to buy the late David Gold’s 25 per cent shareholding from his daughter, Vanessa.
An earlier report by Sky News City Editor Mark Kleinman has been described as a more accurate report of the current situation.
Sky News say they understand that Amanda Staveley is plotting to acquire part or all of the 25.1% stake in the Hammers owned by the Gold family.
They claim the talks are not certain to reach a successful conclusion and have been complicated by pre-emption rights, which dictate that West Ham’s existing investors have first refusal on any shares which change hands.
One Sky News source said the situation at West Ham was “extremely fluid” and might not result in Ms Staveley becoming a shareholder in the club.
The articles of association of West Ham, when Křetínský invested in the club in 2021, give existing shareholders first refusal in order of shares held.
Questions Remain Over Next Move
On 13 June, Křetínský and Vanessa Gold made a joint statement that they hoped to conclude a share deal in the next two weeks, but it has been quiet since then.
Some have questioned whether Křetínský is struggling to free up enough cash, as more of his wealth is tied up in shares and not quickly accessible.
Should Křetínský not complete his purchase, Tripp Smith, Terry Brown and Daniel Harris would be offered the shares before any outside party.
Amanda Staveley is known to use PR people to ensure there are stories about Amanda Staveley regularly, and this has all the hallmarks of that kind of media campaign.
Maybe this is just the kind of hurry-up call Daniel Křetínský needs, although his people will know that serious investors don’t carry out their dealings in the media.
The latest claims also differ from previous Claret & Hugh reporting, including suggestions that any Staveley involvement would be more likely as a partner than a full takeover, while recent analysis has argued that Daniel Křetínský’s consolidation of power remains the more significant story.
totes agree Kris , not sure why Daniel Křetínský and Vanessa Gold would make the joint statement unless the was a genuine intent and validity to it , and If that is the case then there would only be about 10% of the Gold shares left n’est-ce pas ?
perhaps Amanda Staveley wants the rights to name the stadium after herself or wants her face on the new Club badge , such fun ! ! x