AliousRangers are on the brink of a major ownership change, with Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh leading a consortium poised to acquire a controlling stake in the club. Football finance expert Dan Plumley has described the potential takeover as a relatively “cheap” deal in the grand scheme of football investments, particularly when compared to Premier League acquisitions.
Reports first surfaced last month indicating that 49ers Enterprises—the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers—was in advanced negotiations to purchase a majority stake in Rangers. Marathe, who also serves as chairman of Leeds United, has been at the center of discussions, and the process has accelerated rapidly. Earlier this week, Sky Sports confirmed that an agreement in principle has been reached, with the deal now pending due diligence and final paperwork.
While the exact valuation of the takeover remains unclear, financial estimates provide a general picture of the potential cost. Plumley speculates that Rangers’ overall worth is at least £150 million. Based on this projection, a 51 percent stake in the club would amount to roughly £75 million. He noted that Rangers, in a strong financial year—particularly with deep runs in European competitions—can generate around £80 million in revenue, making such a valuation reasonable.
From a business perspective, Marathe and Cavenagh see Rangers as a high-value opportunity at a relatively low entry cost. Plumley pointed out that American investors often find European football an attractive prospect due to lower acquisition prices compared to the English Premier League. While the Scottish market may not command the same financial clout as its English counterpart, Rangers remain one of the most marketable clubs in the country, alongside Celtic. The potential for revenue growth and competitive success makes the deal particularly appealing to the 49ers-led consortium.
According to Plumley, the takeover represents a strategic investment with the potential for significant returns. If the deal goes through, the new owners will likely focus on leveraging their financial influence to strengthen the club, both on and off the pitch. He suggested that while the initial acquisition cost will be in the hundreds of millions, further investment will be required to elevate Rangers to the level needed to consistently challenge Celtic.
With the transaction nearing completion, optimism is growing among Rangers supporters. Many hope that new ownership will usher in a fresh era of financial stability and footballing success, enabling the club to once again compete at the highest level domestically and in Europe. Should the takeover proceed smoothly, the consortium is expected to assume control in time for the start of the next season, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in Rangers’ history.
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