American consortium in talks over multi-million pound investment in Rangers

An American consortium, led by the businessman who heads up the financial side of NFL side San Francisco 49ers, is in advanced talks over a multi-million-pound investment in Rangers.

STV understands that the talks began several months ago and, if concluded positively, would mean significant changes in the boardroom at Ibrox.

The consortium is headed by businessman Paraag Marathe who, in addition to being president of 49ers Enterprises, is currently chairman of Leeds United.

The English Championship club was taken over by 49ers Enterprises in 2023 after the California-based company steadily increased its shareholding over a five-year period.

It’s understood that the proposed investment in Rangers is not on the same scale at this time but could potentially lead to a takeover.

Any deal for a similar takeover at Ibrox would involve buying out the stake of a number of individuals, with the ownership of Rangers currently fragmented.

Former chairman Dave King is the largest individual shareholder with a stake of 12.96%. Douglas Park owns 11.54% and George Taylor holds 10.22% of the shares.

Stuart Gibson holds 9.53%, while John Bennett, who stood down as chairman last year for health reasons, has 7.11%.

Borita Investments and Perron Investment, owned by directors Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted respectively, hold a combined 12.69% and fans group Club 1872 has approximately 5% of the shares.

A Rangers spokesperson told STV: “It is not our policy to comment on speculation. If there were any such discussions, these would remain confidential”