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(Bloomberg) — Billionaire Daniel Kretinsky is considering a deal to become the largest shareholder in the London football team West Ham United, according to people familiar with the situation.
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Kretinsky has held initial discussions over buying shares from Vanessa Gold, who inherited them from her father after his death in early 2023, the people said, asking not to be named discussing private conversation. The discussions with Gold are one of a number of options being considered by Kretinsky, one of the people said, adding that talks are ongoing and nothing has been decided.
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Kretinsky’s potential move comes amid uncertainty over the continuing involvement in the club of David Sullivan, the largest shareholder with 38.8%, following allegations of historic sex abuse. Sullivan denies the allegations.
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British businessman Sullivan, 77, bought control of West Ham in 2010 alongside David Gold. The pair made their fortunes in the adult industry.
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A spokesperson for Kretinsky declined to comment, as did an adviser for Gold.
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Kretinsky owns 27% of West Ham, which was recently relegated from the Premier League. He first bought into the team in 2021, buying part of Sullivan’s and Gold’s stake for £150 million ($200 million).
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The new independent football regulator could force Sullivan to sell the rest of his stake. Sullivan resigned as a director and co-chair of West Ham on Saturday, ahead of the publication of a joint investigation by the BBC and the Times.
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The regulator has begun preliminary questioning about the allegations before deciding whether to begin an official investigation, according to a statement.
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Kretinsky manages a business empire spans energy, retail and media. In 2024 he led a £3.6 billion takeover of Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services Plc.
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Kretinsky controls a share in the British supermarket chain J Sainsbury Plc, French media assets and led process of taking German wholesaler Metro AG private. He’s also an avid football fan, including a stake in AC Sparta Prague.
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—With assistance from Michal Kubala.
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