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Glazer lifts Man United stake
LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer has raised his stake in Manchester United to 18.25 percent in a move likely to re-ignite speculation of a takeover bid for the world's richest soccer club.
Glazer, who owns American football's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said on Monday he had bought a further 4.1 million shares in the club, taking his total holding to 47.9 million.
Glazer said last month he had no current plans to launch a bid for Manchester United, though a source close to the situation said he could still make an offer in the future.
Manchester United, currently third in the Premiership, has been the subject of persistent bid speculation as its two biggest shareholders have built up their stakes in recent months.
Irish race horse owners John Magnier and J.P. McManus own 28.9 percent, although sources close to them have said they are long-term investors rather than potential bidders.
A profitable, debt-free business with one of the best known brands in the world, Manchester United is prized by investors for its marketing potential. But the club's fans are wary of a takeover, which they fear could reduce their influence.
In a separate statement, Manchester United said that Maurice Watkins, a non-executive director, had sold one million shares in the club at 250p apiece on Friday.
Watkins, a senior partner at the club's solicitors James Chapman & Co, continues to own five million shares, or 1.91 percent of the total, Manchester United said.
LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer has raised his stake in Manchester United to 18.25 percent in a move likely to re-ignite speculation of a takeover bid for the world's richest soccer club.
Glazer, who owns American football's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said on Monday he had bought a further 4.1 million shares in the club, taking his total holding to 47.9 million.
Glazer said last month he had no current plans to launch a bid for Manchester United, though a source close to the situation said he could still make an offer in the future.
Manchester United, currently third in the Premiership, has been the subject of persistent bid speculation as its two biggest shareholders have built up their stakes in recent months.
Irish race horse owners John Magnier and J.P. McManus own 28.9 percent, although sources close to them have said they are long-term investors rather than potential bidders.
A profitable, debt-free business with one of the best known brands in the world, Manchester United is prized by investors for its marketing potential. But the club's fans are wary of a takeover, which they fear could reduce their influence.
In a separate statement, Manchester United said that Maurice Watkins, a non-executive director, had sold one million shares in the club at 250p apiece on Friday.
Watkins, a senior partner at the club's solicitors James Chapman & Co, continues to own five million shares, or 1.91 percent of the total, Manchester United said.
