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Montpellier’s owner is interested in buying a stake in Gloucester.
Gloucester confirmed last week that there have been discussions with Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad with regards to a potential shareholder interest in the club. The English side stressed that the relevant bodies would need to give consent for any deal.
The Top 14 side have become one of the biggest spenders in the league in recent seasons and any investment on their part by the owner, could mean a significant cash boost for Gloucester going forward.
The European Professional Club Rugby board have now released the following statement revealing that Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad and his company have now submitted a formal application for consent for the acquisition of a majority stake in Gloucester Rugby
EPCR has received an application for consent for the acquisition of a majority stake in Gloucester Rugby by Altrad Participations – the owner of Montpellier Hérault Rugby – and has discussed the matter at the most recent meeting of its Executive Committee.
To have a controlling influence on two clubs participating in European club competition would require consent from the unions concerned (in this case, the RFU and the FFR who are both shareholders and are represented on the EPCR Board) as well as from World Rugby and EPCR itself.
EPCR has written to the three organisations in question, asking for their clarified positions on the matter.
EPCR is committed to completing all of its due diligence regarding this matter and to assessing any potential risks to the integrity and image of its tournaments in which both clubs participate, by avoiding any potential conflict of interest, or perception thereof. It is important to consider the views of all stakeholders as part of a fair, thorough and transparent decision-making process.
What do you make of this? A good move for Gloucester.
