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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Finance expert delivers verdict on Rangers' investment talks with the 49ers

A football finance expert has delivered his verdict on the ongoing investment talks between the San Francisco 49ers and Rangers.

Last night, it emerged that the overarching business umbrella of the NFL team were in advanced discussions with the Scottish Premiership club about buying a controlling stake.

The 49ers Enterprises also owns Leeds United, with Paraag Marathe, the company's president, currently chairman of the Championship club.

It remains unclear exactly how much the American investors would be willing to invest in Rangers, although it's understood that any deal would be worth multiple millions.

Kieran Maguire has pointed out that it won't be a 'huge cash injection' due to their already existing commitments at Leeds.

However, the sports finance guru has alluded to a potentially greater problem relating to the investment.

And that is the current makeup of the boardroom at Rangers.

He wrote on X: "The biggest issue at Rangers is in relation to boardroom and investor issues as there has been a lot of conflict, although things seem to be improving.

"New owners could assist, but note that SF49'ers already own Leeds United so it is unlikely to be a huge cash injection."


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Maguire is of course referring to previous conflict between Dave King and Douglas Park.

King is currently the major shareholder in RIFC plc with a stake of 12.96 per cent.

He is followed by Park and George Taylor, who both have more than ten per cent, and the likes of Bennett and Stuart Gibson. 

Directors Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted share a combined stake of just over 12 per cent.

A Rangers spokesperson said: “It is not our policy to comment on speculation.

"If there were any such discussions, these would remain confidential.”

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