Daniel Křetínský Becomes Largest Shareholder of West Ham United

West Ham United have announced this morning that Daniel Křetínský has become the majority shareholder of West Ham after concluding a deal with the Gold family.

Daniel Křetínský will now hold a majority share worth 43%, but don’t expect that to be the last of it…

“As such, we have reached agreement on the key terms of a share purchase transaction between the Gold family and 1890 Holdings, which, subject to other Shareholders’ pre-emption rights and necessary approvals, would make 1890 Holdings (part of the broader group EP) the largest Shareholder in West Ham with an approximately 43% stake. As the largest Shareholder, group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the Club needs.

“We expect to finalise this transaction in the next couple of weeks. Once the agreement is complete, group EP and the Gold family have also agreed to vote jointly on key matters and to support the strategy targeting an immediate return to the Premier League.

“Alongside Daniel Křetínský and Vanessa Gold, the other Shareholders, namely Tripp Smith, Daniel Harris and Terry Brown, are fully aligned on this strategy and stabilising the Club.

“We are taking these steps because West Ham United needs to be truly united at this moment in its history. We believe that a strong coalition – of fans, players, management and the Board – is essential to securing the bright future this Club deserves. We are absolutely committed to playing our part.”

West Ham have also clarified that they were cued up on the Sullivan Situation, claiming that “the full West Ham United Board was not notified about these allegations against David Sullivan until approximately a month ago, when he informed us that certain allegations against him may be published. However, the full details of the allegations, which Mr Sullivan denies, only became apparent when they were made public on Monday (8 June). In addition, as communicated by West Ham United, the Board representatives of Shareholders other than Mr Sullivan were only made aware this week of the safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023.”

A major share of 43% is step one to allowing the Hammers the ability to take a step in the right direction - however, Daniel Křetínský will now propose putting in £90M, the maximum amount, to help the debts that the club are currently suffering from, placing David Sullivan in a tricky position.

If David Sullivan decides to pass on his share of the £90M, which would be around the £35M mark, it means that, under corporate law, any unbought shares are offered to the remaining owners. Křetínský can simply step up and buy Sullivan’s unpurchased shares himself.

Daniel Křetínský having a majority share is what Hammers fans have been crying out for, but expect his now 43% stake to get bigger in just a matter of a short time.