Kretinsky Set to Become West Ham’s Largest Shareholder

Daniel Kretinsky is set to become West Ham United’s largest shareholder after reaching an agreement with David Sullivan, The Guardian reported on Thursday. The proposed reshaping of the club’s ownership would increase Kretinsky’s stake from 27% to 46%, moving him ahead of Sullivan in the shareholder hierarchy.

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The development follows a process triggered by Amanda Staveley’s attempt to acquire Vanessa Gold’s 25.1% holding. Staveley, a former Newcastle United director, had agreed a deal with the Gold family in July and was leading a consortium seeking representation on West Ham’s board. She attended West Ham’s 4-2 victory over Wolves at London Stadium earlier this week.

Existing West Ham investors were able to use pre-emption rights over the Gold family shares before a 5:30 p.m. deadline on Thursday. The Guardian said Kretinsky and Sullivan reached an arrangement during that process. Sources cited by the newspaper indicated there was unlikely to be a route back into the deal for Staveley’s group.

Under the reported ownership changes, Sullivan’s position would rise from 38.8% to 40%, leaving him as the second-largest shareholder. American businessman Tripp Smith would increase his holding from 8% to 11%, while the combined stake attributed to the remaining shareholders would move from 1.1% to 3%.

Kretinsky first invested in West Ham in November 2021. The Czech billionaire also owns Royal Mail. The Guardian reported that he has been determined to expand his interest in the club as it rebuilds following relegation from the Premier League last season, although Staveley’s move for the Gold shares had complicated that objective.

The reported agreement would also alter the balance of influence at a club now competing in the Championship. Sullivan stepped down as a West Ham director and co-chair in June and no longer sits on the board, although he has attended home matches this season. The share changes have not yet been described as completed, so Kretinsky’s enlarged position remains subject to the transaction being finalized.