West Ham chief Daniel Kretinsky must pass national security tests after takeover news
West Ham United co-owner Daniel Kretisnsky has been told that he must meet a range of tests and demands if he is to complete a buyout of the Royal Mail, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported in its print edition (18 May, page 95) that the Czech billionaire’s takeover plans could be “scuppered” if he doesn’t pass national security checks or meet the demands of trade unions.
Kretinsky, who is a director on the Hammers’ board and is reportedly known as the “Czech Sphinx”, already has a 27.5% stake in International Distribution Services (IDS), the parent company of Royal Mail.
It remains to be seen if Kretinsky’s takeover will go through, with the Mail reporting that his current £3.5billion offer is a 16% increase on his original bid in April.
Could Daniel Kretinsky’s Royal Mail bid affect West Ham?
West Ham’s first involvement with Kretinsky came back in November 2021, when he acquired a 27% stake of shares in the club from WH Holding Ltd (Whufc.com).
The Czech businessman is the 256th richest person in the world, and even more recently purchased a similarly sized stake in IDS, one of whom’s subsidy companies is the Royal Mail.
It was recently reported that a previously failed takeover of French IT firm ATOS had wiped £300million off the Czech’s net worth, but as a minority shareholder, it’s unlikely that such a loss of capital could negatively affect West Ham.
Purchasing Royal Mail would undoubtedly boost Kretinsky’s profile, potentially amongst other Premier League owners and shareholders, but Hammers fans may worry that this is distracting his attention from what is best for the club.
Julen Lopetegui is reportedly on his way into the London Stadium dugout with a huge summer rebuild ahead for the club, and he’ll be hoping to have the full attention, support and financial backing of board members like Kretinsky.
In other West Ham news, Mohammed Kudus’ close allies refuse to reveal any transfer details about the player.
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