Rangers takeover latest amid ‘derail’ claim as 49ers look to Bournemouth
49ers Enterprises are in advanced talks to takeover at Rangers but there are still clearly hurdles to overcome.
The investment company are headed by Paraag Marathe, who is also chairman of Leeds United south of the border.
The links between 49ers Enterprises and Leeds make an agreement to purchase Rangers slightly more complicated.
Bournemouth example one to follow for 49ers Enterprises
Bournemouth and Hibernian were involved in a similar scenario not too long ago, which is one 49ers are fully aware of, but Rangers believe the takeover path has been cleared.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley was limited to buying just 29.9 per cent of Hibs due to dual-ownership regulations that are in place.
However, according to The Mail [21 February], 49ers have been clever in the way they have gone about their takeover approach.
Marathe has brought another American businessman on board, Andrew Cavenagh, who has no involvements in 49ers Enterprises.
This makes the situation different to that of Foley and Hibs, meaning any chance of a “derail”, as the articles puts it, is unlikely.
49ers takeover could be finalised by June
Assuming all this is correct and 49ers are not expecting any late glitches, there remains every chance a takeover could be finalised by early summer.
Dave King has made clear he is happy to cash in his Rangers shares and is hoping over minor stakeholders do likewise.
Marathe and 49ers know what it takes to purchase a club, albeit this is different to Leeds as they already have a club among their stable.
| Rangers Shareholder | Shareholding (rounded upwards) |
| Dave King | 13% |
| Douglas Park | 12% |
| George Taylor | 10% |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.5% |
| John Bennett | 7% |
| Julian Wolhardt | 6.7% |
| John Halsted | 6% |
It is now over to the lawyers to continue thrashing out terms, with the SFA seemingly prepared to let things play out.
After all, having millionaire backers take over on of their clubs can only be a positive for the governing body.
Once this all goes through, hopefully glitch-free, 49ers should have 51 per cent control of Rangers, meaning they can call all the shots at Ibrox.
While some may fear the unknown, the vast majority are just happy to usher in a new era at Ibrox – one that will hopefully begin sooner rather than later.