Rangers takeover: Another investor set to sell stake as twist emerges

Rangers appear set to be taken over by NFL giants San Francisco 49ers in the coming weeks.

It’s understood that everything is on track for the deal to be completed before the end of May.

The club have even secured a loan which will be payable by future transfer fees.

Paraag Marathe
Credit: Hasan Karim

Dave King and John Bennett to be joined by another investor in selling Rangers stake

Dave King has admitted that he wants the sale to the 49ers to be part of his legacy at the club.

Along with him, John Bennett is also understood to be open to selling his stake and opening the door for the Americans to take control.

However, Sun Sport reported on 12 March that there is another investor willing to sell all of their shareholding while the rest are likely to retain parts of their shares.

ShareholderStake
Dave King12.96%
Douglas Park11.54%
George Taylor10.22%
Stuart Gibson9.53%
Julian Wolhardt9.53%
John Halsted9.53%
John Bennett7.11%
Shareholders who have agreed to sell all or part of their stake.

King has already confirmed that he’s in talks over the sale of a majority of his 13 per cent stake in the club.

He’s already been involved in a major behind-the-scenes change previously as he wrestled control of the club from Mike Ashley.

Rangers ex board member Dave King
Credit: Imago

Paraag Marathe may not want to disrupt the boardroom too much

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take over Gers, retaining some existing shareholders on the board could prove a strategic move.

Shareholders like King and Bennett bring deep institutional knowledge and a proven track record of navigating the club’s complexities.

Their familiarity with Rangers’ operations, fanbase and Scottish football landscape could ease the transition for the NFL giants, who are new to this arena.

Paraag Marathe, a key figure in the takeover, would benefit from their insights as the 49ers integrate their vision, especially with the deal set to finalise by May.

While some investors are selling fully, keeping seasoned voices alongside new appointees could balance innovation with stability, ensuring a smoother handover and preserving continuity at Ibrox.