Done deal: Shares rise as Kretinsky becomes largest shareholder in big money deal

A done deal has seen shares rise as West Ham co-owner Daniel Kretinsky becomes the largest shareholder in his latest big-money French deal.

Fans will be well aware of the claims and counterclaims that abound about ‘secretive’ Daniel Kretinsky’s long-term intentions at West Ham.

But while his plans for the Hammers remain uncertain, the Czech billionaire continues to spend big on investments away from the club.

Kretinsky became West Ham’s second biggest stakeholder behind David Sullivan when he purchased 27 percent of the club in November 2021.

Kretinsky has repeatedly been linked with an eventual full Hammers takeover (The Evening Standard). And there has been speculation for years that Sullivan and the Gold family would sell their stakes in West Ham in 2023.

Done deal: Shares rise as West Ham co-owner Daniel Kretinsky becomes largest shareholder in latest big-money French deal

The businessman has stakes in a host of big businesses such as Royal Mail and Sainsbury’s. But the bulk of his estimated £4bn plus wealth is built on his involvement in energy.

Earlier this month Kretinsky landed a £1bn 15-year mega deal to provide backup energy supply to the National Grid in the UK.

Then reports emerged claiming Kretinsky was looking to spend big on two French deals for technology consultancy Atos and retailer Fnac Darty as part of his growing portfolio of investments.

Well, now there is a major update on that front.

A done deal has seen shares rise as West Ham co-owner Kretinsky becomes the largest shareholder in his latest big-money French deal.

Reuters is today reporting that Kretinsky has further increased his stake in French retailer Fnac Darty to become its largest shareholder.

The West Ham man now has a 25.03% stake, the AMF stock market watchdog said on Wednesday.

And Reuters reports that the move saw Fnac Darty shares jump up 0.7% – “outperforming the French stock market as a whole, up 0.3%”.

Earlier this week Hammers News carried reports revealing Kretinsky is also set to seal another major French deal worth as much as £787m.

French media giant Vivendi has revealed it is in exclusive talks to sell publisher Editis to Kretinsky’s company in a deal that has caused some controversy across The Channel.

Hammers News reported back in October last year that Kretinsky had launched a series of big-money French media moves after also buying a £37m castle near Paris.