Amanda Staveley's bid to buy into West Ham United has been dealt a blow after Daniel Kretinsky sold just over 2% of his stake in the club to Czech businessman Jakub Havrlant.
Staveley, her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, and others agreed to buy a 25.1% stake in the Hammers, who were relegated to the Championship last season. The consortium agreed a £150million deal with the family of the late David Gold on Saturday.
Pre-emption process
Before Staveley can complete the purchase, existing shareholders have first refusal at the agreed price. However, Kretinsky's sale on Tuesday allows him to buy Gold's 25.1% stake without his own holding exceeding 50%, which would otherwise force him to make an offer for the remainder of the club.
Kretinsky said: "I am delighted Jakub Havrlant has joined the West Ham ownership group as a shareholder, subject to the pre-emption process. He brings exceptional experience as an investor and digital innovator and I have no doubt his involvement will strengthen our club."
Property ambitions
In an interview recorded before the Gold deal was confirmed, Staveley revealed plans for a 'big property play' in English football. She said: "Whatever club we take, there'll be a big property play as well. We won't just do a football-led. I just want a challenge, and that's what excites me. That's where you get value uplift — when you take something from seedling and allow it to grow."
Kretinsky, who owns Royal Mail, bought 27% of West Ham in 2021. The club's third-largest shareholder, American billionaire Albert Tripp Smith, owns 8% and may be needed for his plan.
Bidding rounds
The Times reports there will be two rounds of bidding. In the first round, shareholders have 30 days to buy their entitlement, up to the same proportion as their present holding. In the second round, any remaining Gold shares can be bought by shareholders who participated in the first round.
West Ham begin their 2026/27 campaign on Saturday with a League Cup first round tie against Portsmouth at the London Stadium.
