RANGERS have broken silence on the takeover talks which could see a senior San Francisco 49ers executive and his consortium become the largest single shareholder in the club.
The news broke this evening of how 49ers chief Paraag Marathe is a major part of a bid to take control of the Ibrox club.
There could be big changes ahead at Ibrox stadium[/caption]
It’s a stunning move which could give the Gers the benefit of one of the most successful franchises in American football via its investment arm 49ers enterprises.
There’s a couple of potential obstacles, with existing SFA dual ownership rules set to limit the 49ers’ ability to snap up a Gers shareholding of over 29.9 per cent due to their ownership of Leeds.
But last night a Rangers spokesperson would said only: “It is not our policy to comment on speculation.
“If there were any such discussions, these would remain confidential.”
SunSport, meanwhile, can reveal that current board member, the American John Halsted, has been a prominent figure in bringing potential investors to the table.
Wyoming-based Halsted became a Gers investor in 2021 through Perron Investments, LLC.
Leeds United chairman Marathe and fellow US business figures have held detailed talks with the Gers hierarchy in recent months.
And this could lead to the 49ers being part of a major multi-million pound investment – should a deal be struck.
Ibrox sources insist there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome as high-level discussions continue.
Marathe heads up the 49ers Enterprises arm – which seeks to ‘oversee outside business ventures, advisory efforts, and major investment opportunities for the club’.
He is also Executive VP of Football Operations for the NFL giants.
Marathe orchestrated the 49ers’ takeover of Leeds in 2023 after years of investment and is driving their bid for Premier League promotion.
Under existing SFA dual ownership rules, this is set to limit the 49ers’ ability to snap up a Gers shareholding of over 29.9 per cent.
However, there are other investors based in the USA believed to be keen to plunge money into Gers as part of a wider consortium.
The Ibrox club are strapped for cash right now after posting a £17.2million loss last year.
Boss Philippe Clement brought one loan signing in January, while runaway league leaders Celtic favourites to complete another Treble.
Rangers’ current shareholding group is varied – with former chairman Dave King still owning around 13 per cent.
Douglas Park, George Taylor, Stuart Gibson and John Bennett also have a significant amount of shares.
But it is believed several of them might be willing to cut a deal for the right price, if they felt it was in the best interests of the club.
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