Rangers billionaire investor set for Ibrox stay as trio get ready for 49ers deal
Rangers could be set for a change in the boardroom as the 49ers eye a takeover swoop at Ibrox.
The Light Blues have regularly fallen behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership as the financial gulf between the two sides becomes more and more evident.
This could be set to take a step in the right direction in Govan as Paraag Marathe appears to be in advanced talks over a controlling stake in G51.
Although this could result in wholesale changes for the Gers, it now looks like one element could be set to remain intact in the Ibrox hierarchy.
Rangers investor John Halstead set to stay despite 49ers swoop
John Halstead was appointed as a director at Ibrox in August 2023 after becoming an investor through his family’s holding company, Perron Investments, LLC in 2021.
The Wyoming-based businessman is worth a reported £1.5billion and looks set to remain at Ibrox regardless of the 49ers takeover, according to The Sun.
The newspaper reported on 23 February that one other current investor looks likely to maintain their shareholding in Govan.
| Rangers shareholders | Percentage of shareholding |
| New Oasis | 12.96% |
| Douglas Park | 11.54% |
| George Alexander Taylor | 10.22% |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.53% |
| John Bennett | 7.11% |
| Borita Investments | 6.69% |
| Perron Investments | 6.00% |
This isn’t likely to be John Bennett who is set to follow in Dave King’s footsteps to sell his stake in the Gers as part of the deal by 49ers Enterprises.
King is in talks over a sale for his 12.96 per cent share with US healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh said to be playing a major role in the US consortium’s bid.
With that being said, negotiations could be in line to kick start with Bennett who owns a seven per cent shareholding of the Ibrox club.
Rangers wholesale changes expected in 49ers takeover
49ers Enterprises now appear to be a “few months” away from buying a controlling 51 per cent stake [The Athletic], in a major shakeup in Govan.
It is likely that talks have already been going on for a lengthy period which could result in changes quicker than supporters may be expecting.
This can only come as a boost to the Light Blues, especially after what the US-based group have done since becoming controlling stakeholders at Leeds United.
Fans will now keenly wait for news of a takeover which could all hinge on Bennett and his willingness to lose his association with the Gers.