November 2 – The Gold family is seeking potential buyers for an undisclosed portion of their 25.1% stake in West Ham United. Vanessa Gold, now the club’s joint-chair following her father David’s death earlier this year, has appointed Rothschild & Co to explore the potential share sale.
Reports suggest that the Golds may initially sell up to 10%, with the option for more depending on the offered price. As it stands, David Sullivan holds 38.8%, and Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky owns 27% which he bought for between £180-200 million in 2021.
West Ham are valued at around £850 million on revenues of bout £340 million, with much of that value in the long term lease of its London Stadium at a peppercorn rent. The Gold family share could be worth as much as £212 million.
West Ham are a club on the up, having triumphed in the UEFA Europa Conference League last season and regularly filling out the third biggest ground in the Premier League following a recent expansion of the London stadium. In fact, attendance reports suggest they have the best percentage capacity across the Premier League, averaging a home attendance of 99.9%.
“I would consider selling a proportion of our shares to the right partner,” Vanessa Gold told Sky News. “I have spoken to each of the other three major shareholders at West Ham United: David Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky and Tripp Smith, who have been very supportive.
“Any transaction to purchase some of our shares will be with my father’s legacy at the forefront of my mind which, of course, prioritises his beloved West Ham United. I have appointed Rothschild & Co to advise us on any discussions and will keep the other shareholders, the club and our supporters updated on any significant developments.”
West Ham travel to Brentford on Saturday for their 11th Premier League match of the season, ahead of a return to Europa League action against Olympiacos in midweek. David Moyes’ team remain in the top half of the table despite two consecutive losses in recent weeks but will be looking to recapture their early season form to climb back up the table.
The Hammers beat London rivals Arsenal last night to earn a spot in the next round of the Carabao cup where they will face Liverpool in the Quarter Final following the results of last night’s draw.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1748495134labto1748495134ofdlr1748495134owedi1748495134sni@g1748495134niwe.1748495134yrrah1748495134