The family of former West Ham United co-owner David Gold has agreed to sell its shareholding in the club to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi.
Vanessa Gold confirmed the agreement in a statement, revealing that the family's stake will be sold to PCP Capital Partners, led by Staveley and Ghodoussi, in partnership with Ashland Forest Capital Partners. While the transaction has not yet been finalised, she said she wanted to be transparent with supporters about the family's intentions.
David Gold, who passed away in 2023, served as West Ham's joint chairman for 13 years alongside long-time business partner David Sullivan. Sullivan remains the club's largest shareholder, while businessman Daniel Křetínský is the second-largest investor.
Earlier this summer, Křetínský's EP Group held talks with the Gold family over purchasing their shares, a deal that would have increased his ownership from 27% to 43%—surpassing Sullivan's 38.8% stake. However, those negotiations ultimately collapsed.
Staveley and Ghodoussi are well known for their role in the 2021 takeover of Newcastle United and remained shareholders at the club until 2024.
Explaining her decision, Vanessa Gold said her priority was to ensure West Ham has the leadership and ownership needed to fulfil its potential and secure a return to the Premier League. She expressed confidence that Staveley, Ghodoussi and PCP Capital Partners possess the experience and vision to guide the club forward.
However, the proposed sale has drawn opposition from Křetínský, whose spokesperson said the previously agreed deal with the Gold family would have provided stability during a crucial period for the club. The statement added that EP Group is reviewing all available options, including exercising its pre-emption rights, which would allow existing shareholders to purchase the shares before they are transferred to an outside investor.
