Hotel cancels Rangers’ shareholder meeting over Mike Ashley’s involvement following concerns about “significant disruption” February 10, 2015 The hotel that was to host the upcoming general meeting for Rangers shareholders has pulled out over fears it would result in “significant disruption” to other guests and neighbours. The meeting is expected to be something of a showdown between the club's shareholders and Mike Ashley, who recently lent Rangers more than £10m to [...]
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct faces legal challenge over claims sacked USC staff were given 15 minute warning February 9, 2015 Former USC staff who were made redundant when the fast fashion business was put into administration are taking legal action, claiming they received just 15 minutes' consultation over the job losses. The chain, which is owned by Mike Ashley's Sports Direct, was put into administration last month and bought out just a few days later [...]
Rangers board plays down Mike Ashley’s influence as it announces date to vote on Dave King takeover February 6, 2015 Rangers have called a general meeting for 4 March to vote on shareholder Dave King’s requisition to remove the board. The current Rangers board of four directors including chairman David Somers and chief executive Derek Llambias would be removed if shareholders agree to the resolution put forward by King’s requisition. Former director [...]
Rangers boss admits he must pick Mike Ashley’s players on loan from Newcastle February 5, 2015 Mike Ashley may only have an 8.96 per cent stake in Rangers, yet it appears his influence on the club extends all the way down to what happens on the pitch. On Monday, five players arrived at Ibrox on loan from Newcastle United, the Premier League club owned by Ashley. Rangers boss [...]
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct faces million-pound claim over bonus scheme which excluded zero-hour contracted staff February 3, 2015 Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct faces legal claims over its bonus scheme from hundreds of staff working at its stores which could run into millions of pounds. Nearly 300 workers on zero-hours contracts were excluded from a bonus scheme which gave around 2,000 staff who were permanently employed a windfall share of £160m worth of shares [...]
Mike Ashley could face parliamentary investigation over USC February 2, 2015 Mike Ashley could face a grilling by Scottish MPs over the administration of USC, with politicians pressing to launch a full parliamentary investigation into his activities. The Scottish Affairs Committee is launching an inquiry into the fast fashion chain, with MPs last week branding the redundancies of more than 200 “despicable” and “appalling”. [...]
Mike Ashley and Rangers will face charges of failing “the best interests of football” next month January 28, 2015 The Scottish FA have set a date of March 2 for the hearing into charges against Mike Ashley and Rangers. Ashley will face two charges relating to his possible breach of the Scottish FA’s dual club ownership rules. The Sports Direct founder owns Newcastle United and also has an 8.96 per cent stake [...]
Mike Ashley loans Rangers £10m which will be used to pay back loans from… Mike Ashley January 27, 2015 Rangers have agreed to take a £10m loan from Mike Ashley, which has been secured against the club's Murray Park training ground and registered trademarks. Ashley, who also owns Newcastle United, will take control of 26 per cent of the club's retail business as a result. The founder of Sports Direct has a 8.9 per [...]
Mike Ashley weighs up bid for Evans Cycles January 26, 2015 SPORTS Direct founder Mike Ashley is looking to expand his retail empire after joining several suitors in considering a bid for Evans Cycles. Private equity group Active Capital hired Canaccord Genuity last year to find a buyer for the cycling specialist, which has 56 stores and employs around 1,200 people. Sports Direct is understood to [...]
Newcastle named the 19th richest club in the world – but how much of Mike Ashley’s money goes on transfers? January 22, 2015 Newcastle United are the 19th richest football club on the planet. In an era in which St. James’ Park has become synonymous with fan discontent, that seems tough to believe. Yet according to Deloitte’s Football Money League for the 2013/14 season, the north east club made more cash than European giants such as Roma, [...]