Rangers takeover: Keith Jackson issues astonishing 49ers claim
San Francisco 49ers have provided a clue as to how they plan on conducting business at Rangers.
This comes after the NFL franchise agreed a deal in principle to buy the Gers.
They’re eyeing a 51 per cent stake in the club, giving them a controlling stake.
Keith Jackson lauds San Francisco 49ers’ professionalism with regards to the Rangers takeover
Daily Record’s Keith Jackson was the one who broke the takeover story and by the time he did it, talks were at an advanced stage.
Things were revealed in February but talks had already begun in October last year and very few people were privy to those conversations.
Jackson said on 3 March: “Everything these guys will do, you can be fairly certain it will be done absolutely professionally.
“Obviously we broke the story, and I find it astonishing that these talks were going on back in October. The 49ers were managing to have these talks back then – that’s how professional this thing is.
“By the time I got around to breaking that story, the talks were already at an advanced level. That gives you an indication of how these guys are likely to go about their business. They are serious professionals.”
Ibrox faithful will be thrilled by San Francisco 49ers’ professionalism throughout the takeover
Rangers fans should be delighted that the San Francisco 49ers’ consortium, led by Paraag Marathe, conducted takeover talks in near silence since October, as this discretion underscores the professionalism desperately needed at Ibrox.
Unlike less serious entities that leak details to drum up hype or pressure stakeholders – often a sign of posturing rather than intent- this quiet approach signals a methodical, results-driven strategy.
The 49ers, tied to a $6billion NFL franchise with a history of five Super Bowl wins, bring a level of expertise and confidentiality that contrasts with the chaos Gers have endured in recent years, from financial woes to boardroom instability.
| Entity | Stake in Rangers |
| Dave King | 13% |
| Douglas Park | 11.5% |
| George Taylor | 10.22% |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.53% |
| John Bennett | 7.11% |
| Bonita Investments Ltd. | 6.69% |
| Perron Investments Ltd. | 6% |
This professionalism suggests a focus on due diligence and execution over publicity stunts, fostering confidence that the takeover, now in its final stages, will be completed efficiently within weeks.
For a club craving stability and a clear path to compete with Celtic and in Europe, this hushed professionalism is a breath of fresh air.
It implies a long-term vision, potentially bolstering the squad with strategic signings, rather than short-term grandstanding.
Fans can take heart that the 49ers’ track record and Marathe’s 24 years of sports management experience point to a serious commitment, promising a new era of competence and ambition at Ibrox.