Tottenham Hotspur’s majority owner has firmly dismissed two takeover approaches, asserting the club’s unsaleable status amidst recent leadership changes. This decision follows the abrupt exit of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy, sparking widespread speculation about the club’s future.
In a definitive statement released late Sunday, Tottenham’s board confirmed that ENIC, the majority shareholder, had received and “unequivocally rejected” two separate preliminary expressions of interest. One came from PCP International Finance, associated with former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley, and the other from a consortium led by Dr. Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited. The board reiterated that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC has no intention to entertain any acquisition offers.
This development comes just days after Daniel Levy stepped down as executive chairman, a role he held since 2001. Levy’s departure was announced as part of the club’s strategy to enhance long-term sporting success, ending a nearly quarter-century tenure marked by both significant achievements and contentious fan relations. In his farewell, Levy expressed pride in transforming Spurs into a global competitor and thanked supporters, acknowledging the challenges faced.
ENIC controls approximately 87% of Tottenham’s shares, with the Lewis family trust owning the majority and Levy’s family holding around 30%. The remaining shares are publicly traded, subjecting the club to UK takeover regulations. This structure has often been a point of discussion among investors and fans alike, influencing the club’s operational decisions.
Throughout Levy’s era, the club saw substantial infrastructural growth, including the construction of the state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but on-field performance has been inconsistent, leading to periodic fan unrest. Last season, in particular, witnessed protests calling for changes in leadership due to perceived lack of progress, with fans demanding more consistent results and transparency.
The rejection of the bids indicates that the current ownership is committed to supporting the newly appointed leadership team, which includes non-executive chairman Peter Charrington, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, and head coach Thomas Frank. ENIC’s focus appears to be on providing resources for improved competitive outcomes rather than pursuing a sale, aiming to align with fan aspirations for heightened success.
Background reports suggest that Amanda Staveley had been linked to a potential bid for months, with her presence at matches fueling rumors, but it is now expected that she will not proceed with an offer. The other consortium’s interest remains preliminary without further details disclosed, highlighting the speculative nature of recent takeover talks.
Looking ahead, Tottenham aims to stabilize under new management, with ENIC potentially open to minority investments but firmly against a full takeover. The club’s statement underscores a dedication to achieving “more wins, more often,” setting the stage for a renewed focus on performance in domestic and European competitions.