Rangers takeover twist emerges as Andrew Cavenagh spotted in Glasgow again – Exclusive
Rangers are finally closing in on a new era at Ibrox, with the 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh pushing to complete a takeover.
The American tycoon, alongside Paraag Marathe, has agreed a deal in principle for the takeover, with it looking likely to be completed before the summer.
Cavenagh has been spotted frequently in Glasgow in recent weeks, attending the games against Fenerbahce and Celtic, watching huge wins for the Bears.
Rangers takeover twist at Ibrox
Dan Plumley has warned Rangers fans not to get too excited yet, despite the more frequent exposure from Cavenagh and his team.
The football finance expert admitted that takeovers can still take months from this stage, but prominent figures attending games can only be good news.
“I think we probably have to temper expectations slightly,” he exclusively told Ibrox News when asked if the takeover was in the final stages.
“Whether it’s in the final stages, we won’t be clear on that, but what it definitely shows is intent.
“You don’t get these kinds of people attending regular games, and in a flurry of fixtures, if they’re not interested, there would be a natural point where, if they are not interested, they would step aside, so the intent is there.
“In terms of a deal, I would say there is still a long way to go, and we have seen this play out; they can happen quickly, and you can press the accelerator, but they can also take time.
“Even once a period of exclusivity has been signed or whatever is going on behind the scenes, it can still be months, not weeks, so there is a tempering of expectation there.
“It’s good they are attending fixtures, but I think it may be a little bit longer.”
Rangers shareholder puzzle for new takeover
With several key shareholders in place at Ibrox, it is not as easy as agreeing on one lump sum and completing the formalities of a takeover.
The 49ers and Cavenagh have had to identify those willing to sell, with King among a group ready to seal an agreement and move on from Glasgow.
| Rangers key shareholders | Shares (%) |
| 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 |
This will be interesting to watch, but with Cavenagh showing his face more frequently, it is moving in the right direction at Ibrox.