Rangers ‘eye new investors’ in 49ers and Cavenagh takeover twist
Rangers are edging closer to a deal to sell a controlling stake at Ibrox to Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe, but the exciting developments do not stop there.
In what would be the heftiest dose of excitement for fans yet after the week they’ve already had – with Cavenagh in attendance against Fenerbahce – finer details are continuing to be ironed out.
John Bennett, Dave King and several others are anticipated to sell their entire shareholdings in the Gers, which would free up over 20 per cent from the two ex-chairmen alone and exceedingly more once others have sold up – the aim is working towards at least a 51 per cent stake for the new US consortium.
Rangers expect new investors on board alongside 49ers Enterprises
Rangers are understood to be expecting further investors in good time to join the new backing of the Ibrox club.
According to Chris Jack for the Rangers Review [20 March], Marathe and Cavenagh will control matters once the takeover is complete, with 49ers Enterprises technical director Gretar Steinsson overseeing football-specific matters.
The Icelandic former right-back has done the same with Leeds United, 49ers‘ other main footballing interest, with whom Jack denied Rangers would have a “feeder-club” relationship.
Further investors are anticipated “down the line” to provide added bulk towards Rangers’ financial power, and although their impact is only likely to be “minor”, it only serves to show the appeal of the imminent project under the new regime.
“Cavenagh and Marathe will call the shots,” Jack said.
“It is understood that other investors may come on board down the line, but their influence will be minor in comparison to those who are leading the way right now.”
Stewart and Thornton to stay – joined by Ferguson?
As outlined by Jack, Patrick Stewart and Fraser Thornton are expected to remain on the Ibrox board, which will help smooth over the transition towards a potentially entirely new model.
However, a new manager and sporting director need to be appointed – but what could this mean for Barry Ferguson, who has injected life back into a disastrous season and put Rangers within prospect of European glory?
| Shareholder | Stake |
| Dave King | 12.96% |
| Douglas Park | 11.54% |
| George Taylor | 10.22% |
| Stuart Gibson | 9.53% |
| Julian Wolhardt | 9.53% |
| John Halsted | 9.53% |
| John Bennett | 7.11% |
Former Ibrox captain Ferguson signed a short-term deal to replace Philippe Clement, and despite his rookie coaching CV has since overcome Jose Mourinho over two legs, and won the Old Firm at Celtic Park – not a particularly common feat among recent Rangers managers.
It will be interesting to see how Ferguson, Marathe and Cavenagh sprout their working relationship provided the American tycoon pairing take hold of the Light Blues while he is still taking the team.
A ridiculously busy summer awaits in Govan – but it could involve one fewer task on the to-do list if a deal can be agreed to extend Ferguson’s contract.