Rangers takeover: Ibrox shareholders ‘to do deal’ after bombshell 49ers news
Rangers are in advanced talks with 49ers Enterprises over a takeover and all eyes are on the existing shareholders to see if they will agree to a deal.
It emerged on Wednesday (19 February) that talks between Rangers and the 49ers Enterprises over a takeover are at an advanced stage, with the Record shedding light on the negotiations.
The United States-led consortium, fronted by Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe, wants to buy enough shares to be the single biggest shareholder at Ibrox.
However, with the Gers’ shares split into small fragments between multiple people, the 49ers have some convincing to do as they look to strike a deal.
| Rangers Shareholders | Share (Round) |
| Dave King | 13% |
| Douglas Park | 12% |
| George Taylor | 10% |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.5% |
| John Bennett | 7% |
| Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted | 12% |
Barry Ferguson reacts instantly to takeover news
Providing his unfiltered thoughts on the latest takeover news, Barry Ferguson reiterated that he has been speaking in favour of fresh investment at the Glasgow-based club for a while now.
The former Gers captain, though, refused to be carried away by the 49ers’ involvement, although he is pleased discussions over a potential cash injection are underway behind the scenes.
Asked if the existing shareholders in Govan would be willing to let go of their shares, Ferguson opined that he expects them to do what is best for the club.
“You want what is best for the club, and if somebody is coming in and willing to pay what the shares are valued at or what they are worth then I would imagine the shareholders would do a deal”, Ferguson said on Go Radio (19 February).
“It is not just a case of coming in and buying the shares.
“These new shareholders if that is going to be what is happening are going to invest more money into the club.
“That is certainly what is needed. Look, I wouldn’t get too excited about it just now but it is good to see that things are happening in the background.
“It is clear as day that there has to be fresh investment coming in. I think that is one of the biggest jobs of the new chairman and chief executive. To make sure that is the case going forward.”
Ferguson also joked about wanting half a billion pounds as a fresh investment in his former club.
“As I said I am not being greedy I am only looking for maybe half a billion”, he quipped. “A wee half a billion will go down well.”
Rangers set for major cash injection
Poor performances on the pitch, coupled with hierarchial mismanagement, over the years, have left Rangers unable to compete with Celtic financially.
For context, the Gers’ most expensive signing of the last summer transfer window was Mohamed Diomande for just over £4.3million, while Celtic splurged £11m on Arne Engels.
The reigning Premiership champions also outspent the Ibrox outfit to sign Adam Idah (£8.5m) and Auston Trusty (£5m) last summer, while Jota sealed a return for £8m in the winter transfer window.
Therefore, as Ferguson said, Rangers have been in need of cash injection for a long time now and the 49ers Enterprises’ interest in a takeover is good news for the club.
Fans will be hopeful that the current shareholders do not stand in the way of new owners coming through the doors at Ibrox.