Rangers takeover major hurdle removed as Ibrox club set for £20million boost — Scottish Daily Express 21/2/25
American investors led by the San Francisco 49ers are on the cusp of taking control at Ibrox in a deal that could change the landscape of Scottish football
It's business as usual as speculation continues to surround
the club
A major hurdle has been removed in a takeover bid of Rangers
as regulations that could have thrown a spanner in the works have been removed.
American investors led by Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe are on the cusp
of taking control at Ibrox.
Mr Marathe also heads up the business arm of NFL giants San
Francisco 49ers, who are part in the bid, although they are not the only party
involved. We revealed on Thursday that former Rangers chairman Dave King had
already agreed to sell his near-13% stake in the club to the American group.
Mr King is the single biggest shareholder in the club,
followed by Douglas Park. The Scottish Express understands other major
shareholders are willing to part with their shares to hand control of the club
to Mr Marathe's group with the investors expecting to fork out £50million for
effective control at Ibrox.
And we can now reveal that a change in Takeover Panel rules
just days ago has smoothed the path for the takeover to go through. It had been
thought that once the investors reached 30% of shares, they would be obliged to
make an offer for all shares in the club.
That could have created issues over multi-club ownership,
with 49ers Enterprises also owning Leeds. However, on February 3, laws
governing takeovers were relaxed meaning the 30% rule no longer applies for
unlisted PLCs.
It smooths the path for an easy transition at Ibrox in a bid
that could transform the landscape of Scottish football. The Scottish Express
understands the new owners are considering an initial £20m cash injection into
the club, primarily for transfers, once the takeover goes through.
The new owners are expected to be in place by the summer,
although the future of manager Philippe Clement remains in doubt after a
historic defeat to Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup earlier this month. It was
the first time Rangers had lost to lower league opposition in the competition
at Ibrox.
Rangers remain 13 points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in
the league with the Parkhead club likely to complete another domestic treble.
Rangers are in the last 16 of the Europa League, but their domestic campaign is
all but over with three months of the season still to play.