‘Rangers takeover impacted by major rule change this month’
Rangers takeover developments have already been impacted by a significant change to regulations that has just been made, according to The Athletic.
49ers Enterprises could be less than six weeks away from completing a takeover at Ibrox, with the potential new owners being led by Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe, and healthcare mogul Andrew Cavenagh expected to be the more prominent party.
Ibrox has been a place of change over the last week, with Patrick Stewart finally pulling the trigger on Philippe Clement’s sacking, bringing Barry Ferguson in until the end of the season.
Clement likely expected the decision following Rangers’ defeat to St Mirren last time out, but supporters have been given a new reason to be positive following news of the potential takeover.
Many will be desperate to understand the ins and outs of the proposed deal, and with a new major rule taking effect this month, a new update has emerged at Ibrox as the prospective new majority owners reportedly plan to acquire at least 51 per cent of the club’s shares.
Rangers shareholders to be impacted by new rule change
According to The Athletic [26 February], there was a belief at Ibrox that once investors passed the 30 per cent threshold, they would have to make an offer to all other shareholders at the same share price.
This rule previously stood for public companies incorporated in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man, irrespective of whether their securities were traded, but with a new rule change, this will not impact the Gers.
The scope has been narrowed to only companies with securities admitted to trading on a UK-regulated market, which means the rule will not apply to the American franchise’s takeover.
Dave King and John Bennett could be keen on offloading their Rangers shares as the potential takeover looms.
Ibrox faithful have a new reason for positivity
Football Insider verdict
The Light Blues have only been able to watch on as their Old Firm rivals Celtic flourish on and off the pitch, while their own club continues to struggle with performances and finances.
Brendan Rodgers is often able to splash the cash during the transfer windows while Nils Koppen has been working from scraps since he arrived at Ibrox in December 2023.
| Celtic top signings last summer | Rangers top signings last summer |
| Arne Engels (£9.5million) | Mohamed Diomande (£4.3million) |
| Auston Trusty (£6million) | Nedim Bajrami (£3million) |
| Adam Idah (£8.6million) | Robin Propper (£2.8million) |
| Paulo Bernardo (£3.4million) | Hamza Igamane (£2million) |
A takeover represents a fresh start for many supporters, which is what the Union Bears have been crying out for since walking out of the 3-0 win over Aberdeen last month.
The main concern, however, could be the potential for the Gers to become a feeder club for Leeds, though the is currently at the back of most fans’ minds right now.