Daniel Kretinsky has issued a strongly-worded response to Amanda Staveley’s proposed investment in West Ham United.
The statement confirms the Czech billionaire is reviewing his options and could exercise his pre-emption rights in full after Vanessa Gold provisionally agreed to sell her 25.1 per cent stake.
Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners consortium, alongside Ashland Forest Capital Partners, has reached an agreement with Gold. However, existing West Ham shareholders have the opportunity to purchase the shares before the proposed transaction can be completed.
ReadWestHam reported earlier on Saturday that West Ham have officially confirmed the provisional Staveley agreement.
Daniel Kretinsky West Ham statement raises fresh ownership questions
Kretinsky has now made clear that he is considering intervening in the process.
“The agreement we had reached with the Gold family in June provided stability for the club at a crucial time,” he said. “Today’s announcement does the opposite.”
Kretinsky added that his group would review every available option, “including exercising our pre-emption rights in full”.
That possibility could significantly complicate Staveley’s route into West Ham. The pre-emption process allows existing shareholders to purchase their proportional allocation first before any remaining shares are offered during a second round.
talkSPORT reports that Kretinsky had already agreed to acquire a further Gold family stake before Staveley’s proposal emerged.
West Ham expect the latest process to last around two months. The club have also stressed that their ownership structure and day-to-day operations remain unchanged while it takes place.
The Daniel Kretinsky West Ham statement therefore opens another significant chapter in the ownership story. Staveley has an agreement with Gold, but Kretinsky has now made clear he could use his existing shareholder rights to challenge it.
