Czech billionaire acquires 27% shares in West Ham

West Ham United have announced the acquisition of 27% shares in its holding company, WH Holding Ltd., by a Czech investment group, 1890s Holdings a.s. The acquisition will also guarantee WH Holding Ltd. Board of Directors seats for 1890s Holdings a.s Chairman Daniel Křetínský and his partner, Pavel Horský.

The Premier League club made the acquisition public through an official statement published on its website. 

The statement read: "West Ham United is pleased to announce that Czech investment group 1890s holdings a.s has completed the acquisition of 27% shares of WH Holding Ltd.

"As part of the agreement, it is intended that 1890s holdings a.s Chairman Daniel Křetínský and his colleague Pavel Horský will become members of the Board of Directors of WH Holding Ltd.

"A successful global investor, businessman and lawyer, Mr Křetínský’s investment follows diligent negotiations with the shareholders, including West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold.

"The agreement is a further improvement to the Club’s capital structure which will initially enable the reduction of its long-term debt and the ability to continue to direct funds generated into other key areas of focus, continuing the positive progress made at West Ham United in recent years."

1890s Holdings a.s Chairman, Křetínský revealed that he is delighted to be part of the club and he would strive to build on the proud traditions of the club.

Křetínský told the Hammers website: "I am delighted this detailed process has now been successfully concluded. I am passionate about football. I greatly appreciate and respect the exceptional history and tradition of West Ham United as well as its loyal and passionate supporter base and also the highly inspiring role it plays in many social programmes and initiatives.

“The development and growth of the Club in recent years has been clear for everyone to see and I am delighted to be part of what I believe is a very exciting future ahead. 

“Having been to the London Stadium recently to watch David Moyes’ team, I know it is an incredible time to become part of the West Ham United family. I feel privileged to now have the opportunity to help everyone here build on the proud traditions of this great Club.”

Daniel Křetínský is a 46-year-old Czech billionaire with interests in energy, sports, media, and retail supermarkets. He is a businessman and lawyer, as well as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH). He holds a 94% stake in EPH, a company regarded as the largest energy group in Central Europe. 

Křetínský is also the co-owner of the Czech football club, AC Sparta Prague, where he holds 40% of the shares. He has been the chairman of Sparta Prague since 2004.

Křetínský's holding company, Vesa Equity Investment Sarl, owns a 3.05% holding interest in J Sainsbury's Plc, a United Kingdom-based supermarket chain. Vesa Equity Investment Sarl is also the majority of Foot Locker, an American sportswear and footwear retailer brand.