New Arsenal Owner Outlines His Vision For The Club

New Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke wants to build on the club’s current structure as he outlines his vision for the future of the club.

The American businessman’s company Kroenke Sports Enterprises (KSE) will seek to complete the full takeover of the club after increasing their stake to 62.89%.

As an Arsenal director, Kroenke has already been through the Premier League’s ‘owners and directors test’.

KSE has to provide the Premier League with a projected financial position to prove they can sustain the club for the next 12 months before any takeover can be completed.

Kroenke wants to continue to operate the club with its existing “self-sustaining business model” and will not fund the takeover with debt finance secured against the club.

The American will concentrate on purchasing the stake of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who controls 27% of the club’s holding company.

Arsenal’s independent directors – Peter Hill-Wood, Ivan Gazidis, Ken Friar, Sir Chips Keswick and Lord Harris of Peckham – will recommend shareholders accept Kroenke’s offer.

Kroenke has asked the existing board to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

“I am delighted that Peter Hill-Wood has agreed to support us by continuing as chairman,” Kroenke said.

“We especially wish to acknowledge and thank the board, Danny Fiszman and the Fiszman family as well as Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and her family for the confidence they have had in me over the past years and in allowing us to move forward in this more prominent role.”

Hill-Wood reacted to KSE’s initial share purchase four years ago by saying Arsenal did not want Kroenke’s “sort” involved at the club.

But he has been convinced that Kroenke knows and appreciates the ‘Arsenal way’.

“The board of directors and I consider it a key responsibility to protect the ethos and spirit of the club,” Hill-Wood said.

“Mr Kroenke, although relatively new to Arsenal, has shown himself to be a man who values and respects the history and traditions of this very special club that we cherish.

“We are confident that he will be a safe custodian of its future.”

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loading..., 10.0 out of 10 based on 2 ratings Tagged Under: arsenal fc, Peter Hill-Wood, Premier League, Stan Kroenke

Mike Ashley Outlines European Ambitions For Newcastle United

5 comments by Jack Atchinson on March 30th, 2011

St James’ Park owner wants a return of European football every season to the North-East.

Syed outlines Racing ambitions

New Racing Santander owner Ahsan Ali Syed intends to compete with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Syed’s Western Gulf Advisory group purchased Racing on January 22, but with the club an unremarkable 13th in the La Liga table, they are unlikely to challenge the top two this season.

Racing have never won a trophy in their 98-year history and are relative minnows compared to the illustrious outfits at the Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeu.

But Indian businessman Syed – who was linked with a takeover of English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers in 2010 – has lofty ambitions for the future of his latest investment.

“When La Liga is watched all across the world today, the first two teams that come to mind are Real Madrid or Barca,” Syed said.

“So I am sure there is a place for a third one. That is what global recognition is all about.”

“As I have already said in public, I will provide everything possible to see Racing grow in the world of football.”

“But I think that for more than financial investments it will require a lot of other investments, intellectual investments. It will require a lot of talent in the team.”

“That does not necessarily mean that if you are very aggressive, with huge money pouring in the club, the club will do wonders. That is not the case.”

“But I personally feel that I want to make this club grow slowly, steadily but strongly, so that it can sustain whatever position it reaches for a longer time.”

“I want to make Racing a timeless institution in years to come.”

Sun 13 February, 2011

Syed outlines Racing ambitions

New Racing Santander owner Ahsan Ali Syed intends to compete with Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Syed’s Western Gulf Advisory group purchased Racing on January 22, but with the club an unremarkable 13th in the La Liga table, they are unlikely to challenge the top two this season.

Racing have never won a trophy in their 98-year history and are relative minnows compared to the illustrious outfits at the Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeu.

But Indian businessman Syed – who was linked with a takeover of English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers in 2010 – has lofty ambitions for the future of his latest investment.

“When La Liga is watched all across the world today, the first two teams that come to mind are Real Madrid or Barca,” Syed said.

“So I am sure there is a place for a third one. That is what global recognition is all about.”

“As I have already said in public, I will provide everything possible to see Racing grow in the world of football.”

“But I think that for more than financial investments it will require a lot of other investments, intellectual investments. It will require a lot of talent in the team.”

“That does not necessarily mean that if you are very aggressive, with huge money pouring in the club, the club will do wonders. That is not the case.”

“But I personally feel that I want to make this club grow slowly, steadily but strongly, so that it can sustain whatever position it reaches for a longer time.”

“I want to make Racing a timeless institution in years to come.”

Sun 13 February, 2011