BIG UPDATE EMERGE ON Tottenham takeover- Stefan Borson reacts after liquidator appointed in a new twist of Staveley Amanda’s close takeover
Amanda Staveley’s recent decision to appoint a voluntary liquidator to dissolve her company, Redstart Leisure Limited, will not have any significant impact on her ongoing efforts to secure a stake in Tottenham Hotspur, according to finance expert Stefan Borson. He has suggested that the British businesswoman is likely acting on behalf of other investors and would use a different business vehicle if a deal were to go through.
On 14 October, a filing with Companies House revealed that Redstart Leisure Limited had passed a special resolution to begin the process of voluntary liquidation, with the appointment of a liquidator soon to follow. Redstart Leisure was previously used during the Saudi-backed acquisition of Newcastle United in 2021, where Staveley gained a 10 percent share of the club. This business played a key role in the complex process that brought Saudi investment to Newcastle, a deal that shifted the landscape of football in the Premier League.
However, this is not the only company Staveley has recently dissolved. In September, Apollo Belvedere Services, which was formerly known as PCP Capital Partners and was also associated with her involvement in the Newcastle United takeover, was liquidated. These developments have raised questions about her current business dealings, particularly in relation to her reported interest in Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the winding up of these companies, Staveley has been spotted in the executive boxes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent weeks, further fueling speculation that she is moving ahead with plans to make a sizeable investment in the North London club. According to Football Insider, it was revealed on 1 October that Staveley is advancing with efforts to secure a stake in Tottenham, likely backed by Middle Eastern financial sources. Her presence at Tottenham matches has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, raising the possibility that she could soon play a role in the club’s future.
Finance expert Stefan Borson, who has followed these developments closely, downplayed the significance of the liquidation of Redstart Leisure Limited and dismissed the notion that it would affect her ability to pursue a deal with Tottenham. Speaking to Football Insider, Borson stated, “I don’t think there is any real significance in the dissolution of that business. I’m skeptical about the whole Spurs story anyway. She wouldn’t need to do it through that particular company.”
Borson suggested that even if Amanda Staveley were to be involved in a major investment in Tottenham, her role would likely be as a representative of other financial backers, holding only a small personal stake. “At the end of the day, if Amanda Staveley is investing £500 million in a football club, she is probably fronting it on behalf of other people,” he explained. “She would likely hold a relatively small equity stake in that vehicle and would probably want to set up a completely fresh business vehicle for the investment.”
This approach of using new business entities for each investment is a common strategy in high-profile acquisitions, especially when multiple financial backers are involved. Borson emphasized that the dissolution of one or more of Staveley’s previous companies should not be seen as an indicator of her future plans or her ability to engage in new ventures. “I wouldn’t read too much into it,” he said. “If something is going to happen, the structuring of the corporate entity that does it is something that can be addressed quickly. You can buy a company immediately and fund it as required very quickly.”
In other words, the corporate mechanisms used to execute such a deal are flexible and can be established rapidly when the need arises. According to Borson, these processes are routine in the world of high finance and football club takeovers, and they do not represent any significant obstacles to potential investors like Staveley. “I wouldn’t read anything into it,” he reiterated, underscoring that the liquidation of Redstart Leisure is not a roadblock to any future deal involving Tottenham Hotspur.
Amanda Staveley is no stranger to high-stakes football deals, having been instrumental in the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United in 2021. Her experience navigating the complex legal and financial aspects of such transactions makes her a formidable figure in the business world, and her potential involvement with Tottenham could signal another major shift in the ownership landscape of the Premier League.
However, it is important to note that if Staveley were to secure a stake in Tottenham, it would likely be a minority interest rather than a controlling one. According to Borson, her potential stake would be small, with much of the financial backing likely coming from Middle Eastern investors. The negotiations would also need to involve Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who is known for his shrewd business acumen and careful management of the club’s financial operations.
The potential entry of Middle Eastern investors into Tottenham would align with a broader trend in Premier League football, where increasing foreign investment has reshaped the financial and competitive landscape. Tottenham Hotspur, known for its modern stadium and strong commercial appeal, would be an attractive asset for investors looking to gain a foothold in one of the world’s most popular sports leagues.
The speculation surrounding Staveley’s involvement with Tottenham comes amid a time of transition for the club. Under the management of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs are seeking to reestablish themselves as a consistent top-four team in the Premier League, and securing additional investment could provide the financial backing needed to compete with other big clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
Ultimately, while Amanda Staveley’s recent business decisions may have sparked speculation, they do not appear to pose any barriers to her potential involvement with Tottenham Hotspur. The real question remains whether she can successfully negotiate a deal with Daniel Levy and bring new financial backing to the club.