Kieran Maguire drops £1bn West Ham takeover claim – ‘they’re a very attractive proposition’
West Ham would be a ‘very attractive proposition’ for investors but would be better off avoiding 777 Partners.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that a Hammers takeover would be valued at close to £1billion.
As reported by Bloomberg, 777 Partners are planning to raise as much as $220million (£168million) to continue their investment in the football industry.
The US-based private investment company boast a wide portfolio of football investments, holding stakes in clubs such as Genoa, Sevilla and Red Star FC.
A Premier League investment seems likely, with previous links to Everton before the Toffees signed an exclusivity agreement with MSP Holdings.
Following their failed Everton takeover, it was reported that 777 Partners also held an interest in West Ham.
Maguire believes a minority investment in the Hammers remains an option for 777, but their ‘chequered history’ suggests the London side should snub any offers.
“777 Partners appear to have a bit of a chequered history,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“They do have cash to spend by all accounts, but I think West Ham would not necessarily benefit from their involvement.
“They are very much looking for a financial return on investments and it’s difficult to identify many clubs who have actually progressed under their ownership model.
“So ultimately if David Sullivan wants to sell or Daniel Kretinsky doesn’t want to buy a further share then all options are available and West Ham would be a very attractive proposition.
“However, the asking price for West Ham is reported to be somewhere in the region of £800m-£1bn, so 777 would only be able to acquire a small stake in the club.“
In other news, West Ham lead Newcastle United in race to sign Harry Maguire