Arsenal are expected to announce on Monday that American businessman Stan Kroenke has taken over the club after reportedly buying the shares of Danny Fiszman and Lady Bracewell-Smith, who own 32% of the stake in the Gunners' holding company. This move, as yet unconfirmed, would give Kroenke 62% ownership of the team, which would then trigger a legal obligation to make a full takeover bid for the side.
Stan Kroenke On Verge of Arsenal Takeover, According To Reports
According to reports, Kroenke, who also owns the Colorado Rapids (MLS), the St. Louis Rams (NFL), and the Denver Nuggets (NBA), is willing to pay up to £240M for the combined shares of Fiszman and Bracewell-Smith, which would put Arsenal’s overall valuation in the realm of £750M. Kroenke must now make an offer to buy the rest of the club’s shares, which includes Russian-based businessman Alisher Usmanov’s 27% stake. It’s unclear whether Usmanov would accept a bid for his shares at the current time.
While many foreign owners have assumed full control of a club and de-listed it from the stock market, it’s considered unlikely that Kroenke would do the same. However, until we have a confirmation of the news and the requisite press conferences, etc., it’s probably unwise to speculate on exactly what will happen with Arsenal going forward.
For more on the potential takeover as well as general Gunners talk, visit SB Nation’s Arsenal blog The Short Fuse.
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