Daniel Kretinsky sells West Ham stake to block Amanda Staveley bid
West Ham United co-chair Daniel Kretinsky has sold a minor stake in the Premier League club to Czech businessman Jakub Havrlant, strategically positioning himself to block a takeover bid from Amanda Staveley.
Vanessa Gold, daughter of late joint-chairman David Gold, confirmed weekend plans to sell her family’s shares to a consortium led by the former Newcastle United executive.
However, this proposed takeover remains subject to the club’s long-standing pre-emption rights clause.
This strict legal mechanism grants existing shareholders the first opportunity to match any external offer and purchase available equity.
Strategic stake reduction
The Royal Mail owner initially purchased a 27% shareholding in the East London side during 2021.
By selling just over 2% to Havrlant, the Czech billionaire drops his total ownership below the critical quarter threshold.
This precise financial manoeuvre allows him to potentially purchase Gold’s 25.1% stake without surpassing the 50% mark.
Exceeding that halfway point would legally obligate him to make a mandatory offer for the entire football club.
Complications and pre-emption process
An earlier equity agreement between the Czech investor and Gold stalled in June following allegations made against majority shareholder David Sullivan in a BBC Panorama investigation.
Sullivan, who vehemently denies the claims, still retains a 38.8% controlling interest in the Hammers.
It remains highly uncertain whether the 75-year-old would be permitted to mount his own bid for the Gold family equity given the ongoing controversies.
The complete pre-emption process involves two distinct rounds and is expected to take approximately two months to conclude.
New investment welcomed
Despite the complex boardroom manoeuvring, the current co-chair publicly welcomed the arrival of his compatriot to the London Stadium.
“I am delighted Jakub Havrlant has joined the West Ham ownership group as a shareholder, subject to the pre-emption process,” said Kretinsky.
“He brings exceptional experience as an investor and digital innovator and I have no doubt his involvement will strengthen our club.”