Arsenal Action

[thatgooner]

DRAMA.

[Roger Milla]

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has increased his stake in Arsenal football club to just over 26%.

He bought into Arsenal in August 2007, paying former vice-chairman David Dein about £75m for his 14.65% stake.

But US billionaire Stan Kroenke, who has been increasing his stake in Arsenal, remains the largest shareholder with 29.9%.

If a shareholder's stake in a company reaches 30%, he or she has to offer to buy the entire stockholding.

Mr Kroenke has been gradually increasing his stake in Arsenal this year through a number of different share purchases.

In addition to his stake in Arsenal, Mr Kroenke also owns the NBA's Denver Nuggets basketball side and the Colorado Rapids MLS football team.

At Arsenal's annual general meeting at the Emirates Stadium on 22 October, Mr Kroenke was asked what his intentions were for the north London club, but he chose not to speak.

Four-way split

Mr Usmanov is a Russian metals magnate with an estimated $1.6bn fortune, according to Forbes magazine.

He owns a stake in Russian telecom Megafon as well as the business daily, Kommersant.

Besides Mr Usmanov - through his investment vehicle Red and White Holdings - and Mr Kroenke, Arsenal's other main shareholders are Danny Fiszman, and Lady Bracewell-Smith.

Arsenal in September revealed its annual pre-tax profits had risen to £45.5m in the year to 31 May.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8407723.stm?

[Curt.B]

ARSENAL TAKEOVER BATTLE
Stan Kroenke edges ever closer to Arsenal takeover

By Soccernet staff

December 21, 2009

Arsenal's largest shareholder, Stan Kroenke, has once again increased his stake in the club and is now on the brink of a compulsory takeover bid.

Kroenke has been steadily accumulating shares in Arsenal and his latest purchase of 25 shares leaves him just 17 short of the 30% watershed which would force him to make an offer for the remainder of the club.

Arsenal confirmed on Monday that Kroenke paid £212,500 for the 25 shares and he now has a 29.9% stake in the North London side.

Kroenke, who also owns the NBA team Denver Nuggets and MLS side Colorado Rapids, is member of the Arsenal board.

The club's second-biggest shareholder is Alisher Usmanov who purchased the stake held by former vice-chairman David Dein in 2007 and has since increased his holding to around 26%.

[damir]

I can't wait a moment when this saga will be over

[Fred West]

Only a matter of time now.

Kroenke ups Gunners stake,just ten shares shy of compulsory takeover bid
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 95,00.html

[damir]

I'm not a superstitious guy but every time when I'm hearing something about those two in same time things are starting to be bad for the team

[Curt.B]

We should all pitch in and buy 10 shares : D