Czech billionaire Kretinsky becomes West Ham’s largest shareholder

Daniel Kretinsky has become West Ham United’s largest shareholder after reaching an agreement to increase his stake in the club to 46%.

The deal effectively ends Amanda Staveley’s attempt to buy into West Ham. Vanessa Gold, representing the Gold family, had agreed last month to sell the family’s shares to a consortium led by Staveley and other investors. A previously agreed sale to Kretinsky had fallen through.

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West Ham United notes the announcement that Daniel Kretinsky, via 1890s Holdings, has reached an agreement to acquire the requisite number of shares to become the single largest shareholder at the club.

Kretinsky, who owns Royal Mail, reached a new agreement with West Ham’s remaining shareholders, including former chairman David Sullivan, according to the BBC. The transaction covers the stake held by the Gold family. Sullivan’s own holding will rise to 40%.

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taking a more active role in the decision-making at the club

West Ham said Kretinsky, acting through 1890s Holdings, had acquired the necessary shares to become the club’s single largest shareholder. Gold said the Czech investor would take a more active role in decision-making, giving supporters greater clarity over the club’s future.

“My ambition through this process has been to ensure the club had the right leadership and to enable West Ham to achieve its potential and return to its rightful place in the Premier League,” Gold said. She added that the agreement would provide stability while the club and its management focused on the season. Gold will remain a small shareholder and thanked Staveley and her partners for their involvement.

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My ambition through this process has been to ensure the club had the right leadership and to enable West Ham to achieve its potential and return to its rightful place in the Premier League