Ashley launches Newcastle takeover

Billionaire businessman Mike Ashley has bought a 41.6% holding in Newcastle to launch a takeover bid.

St James' Holdings Limited, a company set up specifically to buy shares in the club, has acquired 55,342,223 shares at 100p each from Wynyard (Guernsey) Limited, Cameron Hall Developments Limited and Cameron Hall Developments Limited Executive Pension Scheme, the holdings of Sir John Hall and his family.

Stock Exchange rules mean that the company now has to make a cash offer for the remaining shares, around 29.8% of which belong to chairman Freddy Shepherd.

Sir John will remain as the club's life president, although the man who succeeded him as chairman, Shepherd, now faces a major decision over his continuing involvement.

Ashley said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to invest in Newcastle United. The club has a fantastic infrastructure, for which Sir John and the board must take much of the credit."

Sir John, who formed the Magpie Group to take over the club back in the early 1990s, stood down as chairman in 1997 and believes the time is now right for new blood at St James' Park.

He said: "I have been associated with the direction of Newcastle United for nearly 20 years. In that time, I have led the club and, before I retired, led the team responsible for the modernisation of the club we all see.

"It is now time for me to move on and let others take up the challenge of competing in the global marketplace.

"Mike Ashley is a major player in the sporting world and I am convinced that he is the right person to take my place and take the club forward. I am sure he will be good for the club and its loyal fans and indeed for the region.

"I wish him the very best and hope he enjoys it as much as I have. Finally, I would like to thank all the fans for their support whilst I was at the helm and would ask them to lend the same level of support to Mike. He has my full backing."