Rangers takeover collapse mooted after new developments – ‘It would have already’
Rangers are edging closer to finally being under new ownership, with 49ers Enterprises’ takeover hitting a significant milestone.
Paraag Marathe and Andrew Cavenagh’s talks with the Ibrox hierarchy have taken a big step forward after a deal was agreed in principle to buy a 51 per cent stake of Rangers, paving the way for a new era.
While the 49ers aren’t expected to take charge straight away, with formalities and sign-offs still needed ahead of a prospective June confirmation date, Rangers fans may soon be able to look forwards.
Talks between the out-of-favour Rangers boardroom and 49ers Enterprises have taken place across the past few months, but many supporters are still proceeding with caution when it comes to their optimism.
David Edgar makes Rangers takeover admission
The existing Rangers boardroom structure has come under heavy scrutiny from fans this season, with banners aplenty spotted in the crowds of several matches at Ibrox, Hampden Park and beyond.
| Rangers Shareholders | Individual shareholdings |
| Dave King | 12.96 per cent |
| Douglas Park | 11.54 per cent |
| George Taylor | 10.22 per cent |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.53 per cent |
| Julian Wolhardt | 9.53 per cent |
| John Halsted | 9.53 per cent |
| John Bennett | 7.11 per cent |
Faith in the current crop of Gers decision-makers is at an all-time low, and as a result some fans made the point to Heart and Hand podcaster David Edgar that the 49ers’ takeover could still fall through.
Responding with a post on X (3 March), Edgar said: “They’ve been working on [the takeover] since October. I think if it was going to, it would have already.“
Rangers ready for new dawn in 49ers Enterprises’ direction
Rangers and the 49ers holding talks as far back as October – weeks after John Bennett’s resignation threw the Ibrox boardroom into turmoil – shows just how keen the American group are on the Ibrox club.
Given the current board’s unpopularity with the vast majority of the Rangers fanbase, and arguably with each other given Dave King’s frequent comments, the time is certainly right for brand new leadership.
Though 49ers Enterprises taking a 51 per cent stake will still leave plenty of existing shareholders in situ at Ibrox, crucially, it’ll be the new ownership group calling the shots to take Rangers in a new direction.
A new direction is exactly what fans have been craving in Govan given the malaise which has been allowed to take hold across recent years, and the 49ers have a chance to revitalise the Bears’ fortunes.
Rangers now await the green light with little chance of the takeover collapsing from its current position, and though they’ve had a season to forget, Gers fans could soon see this period as all being worthwhile.