Arsenal Launches Fan Share Scheme
Premier League club Arsenal has a launched a groundbreaking new share scheme, backed by the club’s primary stakeholders, which aims to give its fans more influence in the club’s affairs.
The new ‘Arsenal Fanshare’ initiative is a means of buying small fractions of full shares at an affordable price.
Ownership of a single ‘fanshare’ – one hundredth of an actual share – means a member has the chance to ask questions of the directors and vote on policy.
The Gunners are currently majority-owned by four shareholders, all of whom collectively support the new scheme.
Set up by the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST), the aim of the scheme is not for Arsenal to be taken over by fans – but to allow more supporters to have greater involvement in the club’s future, much like supporters of Barcelona, for example, are able to do in Spain.
A single share in Arsenal Holdings PLC currently trades at more than £10,000 each.
But – to buy one ‘fanshare’ – supporters will be invited to pay a minimum of £100, either up front or in £10 monthly contributions.
In return a member secures full shareholder’s rights, which includes the chance to attend the club’s annual general meeting.
The backing from Arsenal’s majority shareholders Stan Kroenke, Alisher Usmanov, Danny Fiszman and Lady Bracewell-Smith – who between them own almost 88% of the shares – has been viewed as significant.
‘The support Arsenal Fanshare has from all of the club’s major shareholders should allow all talk of a takeover to be put to one side,’ said Arsenal Fanshare board member and AST spokesman Tim Payton.
‘Arsenal Fanshare has been established to increase supporter ownership and representation.
‘We urge all Arsenal fans to take this opportunity and get involved – by working together we can make Arsenal even stronger.’
Arsenal will promote the scheme at Saturday’s Premier League match against Blackpool, with promotions in the programme and on advertising screens. Supporters will also be able to sign up to the scheme online.
