Alisher Usmanov is now Arsenal’s biggest shareholder (15/2)

[gooner.ed]

http://www.onlinegooner.com/exclusive/index.php?id=532

usual thread starter…

so… is mr usmanov in this for the love of arsenal or to make money? In fairness to the current board, they don’t take money out of arsenal except for a couple of salaries. And that is a much better situation than at man utd or liverpool. Only point in usmanov’s favour is that he would not have to borrow against the club itself to buy it. But until red and white holdings come out and make some positive statements about their plans, fans will have every right to feel suspicious. This man is not going away in a hurry though, that much looks certain…

what’s your take on the man they call jabba?

[DB10GOONER]

Worrying, because he we just don't know what his true intentions are. Our current board may not be perfect but as I've always said, there are none out there better, but a whole heap of worse ones.

Better the devil you know...?

[DB10 my Hero]

Disturbing news. Can't think of a single person who sees this as a positive for the club. I truly fear for the club if he becomes the majority shareholder.

[Red Gunner]

I hope Kroenke doesn't sell his sell his stakes to Usmanov. If he does, Usmanov can make a take-over which will be terrible for us. Our finances are good right now but with him, we might be plunged into debt. Arsene Wenger can do whatever he wants but Usmanov might limit his powers which would displease Arsene a lot.

[gunnerb]

If that man takes over it will be a sad day. We dont need his influence, what does he know about running a football club. You cant doubt the guy is a succesful business man but leave us alone we dont wanna be known as Arsenalski.

[Justin-the-Gooner]

The board have 50% or more is it? As long as somebody does not sell out and turn their back on the club by selling to that funking russian we will be ok. Because the board know how much we do not want him so hopefully they keep the lockdown agreement.

The main thing for me is that the examples are there. Foreign investment can land a club in debt and at Arsenal Mr Wenger wants nothing to do with that fat gangster and neither do we. So if the board were to sell they would be worst then David Dein when it comes to turning their back on the club.

I also hope Stan Kroenke does not sell out and the same for everyone else. Red and White holdings are claiming that they just want to keep 25% and that is their target but who can believe him.

Stan Kroenke does not seem as bad as what we first thought now does he? The main thing is that the Russians don"t get another 0.10% of a share at our club because we want nothing to do with him or the mafia.

"Love Arsenal, Hate Usmanov"

[thatgooner]

If Usmanov makes the 30% he has to launch an official takeover bid right?

So what does this involve and whats the likelyhood that the board will be able to defend its position against the takeover?

[Red Gunner]

If Usmanov makes the 30% he has to launch an official takeover bid right?

So what does this involve and whats the likelyhood that the board will be able to defend its position against the takeover?

He won't be able to mount a takeover until 2010 because of the lock-down agreement.

[QuartzGooner]

I do not want Usmanov at the club at all.

The current board have done a good job. Not perfect, but good.

They have built the new stadium, new training ground, managed to keep Wenger from going elsewhere.

They have also marketed the club well overseas.

I cannot see any need for change.

Kroenke is at least a genuine sports fan, and as hard nosed a business man as he may be, seems to be straight.

[Rainham Red]

Under Stock Exchange rules if Usmanov gets 30% of the issued share capital he must make an offer for the rest of the shares.Also if the take over is beneficial to the club the Directors must advise shareholders it would be in their interest to accept the offer.However,if it is not then the Directors would advise shareholders not to accept.As the main shareholders,with the exception of Kronke,have a lock down agreement probably Usmanov would fail but could bide his time until the lock down expires and then make a further bid perhaps increasing his offer to tempt people like Kronke and Fiszman.

[thatgooner]

Thanks for that Rainham Red, that clears things up nicely.

[GoonerJim]

Ed can i call that fat corrupt *word censored* a fat corrupt *word censored*...or is that not allowed?

[gooner.ed]

Ed can i call that fat corrupt c**t a fat corrupt c**t...or is that not allowed?

i'd rather you described him as a businessman you don't particularly like with a colourful past who could do with losing few pounds...

however, i don't think he's going to be too worried about abuse on this forum, at least not until such a time as he takes over. then things might change with his reputation for dealings with the media. i'll certainly be considering whether it's worth the risk of continuing to be involved with the gooner. don't want to be looking in the rear view mirror of my car for the rest of my days thank you...

[northbankbren]

Has this been officially confirmed?

[gooner.ed]

the share purchase has been confirmed by usmanov's people - a legal requirement as he raised his stake above a further percentage point. officially he is not the largest shareholder... yet, although next time he has to go public on his purchasing - when he exceeds 25% - he will be. my suggesting he was the largest shareholder already was speculation - incorrect, but it's only a matter of time now.