San Francisco 49ers in Rangers takeover talks and stunning bid is at ‘advanced stage’
If an agreement can be thrashed out the Ibrox club stand to benefit from a major cash injection from the American backers
Hotline Live World Exclusive: San Francisco 49ers Ibrox takeover bid is a potential game changer for Rangers
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Rangers are at the centre of a potentially transformative US led takeover bid – a deal that would see them bankrolled by the enormous financial muscle of the San Francisco 49ers.
The Daily Record has learned top-level discussions over a multi-million pound investment began before the turn of the year – and they are now believed to be at ‘an advanced stage’. And if an agreement can be thrashed out the Ibrox club stand to benefit from a major cash injection which would then fund a spending splurge in the summer transfer market.
Sources from south of the border have confirmed one of the key men behind the proposal is Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe – the man in charge of the NFL giants’ investment arm, 49ers Enterprises. Marathe – who is also executive vice president of football operations in San Francisco – was the architect in chief of a takeover of the Elland Road Club which took a step closer to a Premier League return on Monday night with a dramatic late win over Sunderland.
It’s understood he is now part of a consortium – including at least one other high net worth American business mogul – which hopes to restore Rangers to the top of the Scottish game after years spent languishing in the shadow of Old Firm rivals Celtic.
The American consortium plans to snap up enough shares to become the biggest single shareholder in the club and would be likely to demand seats in a new look boardroom. The finer details behind the move are not yet clear but the current configuration of major shareholders means that any deal will be complicated.
Former chairman Dave King who owns almost 13 per cent, Douglas Park retains nearly 12 per cent, George Taylor holds just over 10 per cent, Stuart Gibson is not far behind with John Bennett on around seven per cent. Directors Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted share a combined stake of just over 12 per cent.
Former Rangers chairman Dave King(Image: SNS Group)
While Marathe has not played a leading role in the takeover discussions it’s understood he has agreed to help fund it as his group closes in on a deal to oversee a revolutionary transfer of power in the boardroom. In return, not only would Rangers receive a massive injection of transfer cash but the club would also gain access to the 49ers cutting edge, data driven technology for player recruitment as well as open the door to a number of money spinning sponsorships and new commercial tie ups.
The would be buyers view Rangers as a perfect investment opportunity given the club’s regular access to UEFA elite competitions, either in the Champions League or Europa League. And Marathe’s knowledge of the landscape of the British game, coupled with his position with the cash rich 49ers are seen as hugely significant.
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