Danish billionaire eyes up Premiership club
Scotland’s richest man has been credited with an interest in buying into Dundee United.
The Scottish Premiership club is currently owned by US businessman Mark Ogren, who acquired the majority shareholding from Mike Martin and James Fyffe in 2018 in a deal worth around £1million. United has experienced many highs and lows during Ogren’s six-year stewardship including promotion, European qualification, relegation, six different managers, and upwards of £10million spent.
The Minnesota-based businessman revealed at the club’s AGM in February that he was not looking to sell up in the short term, however, it is no secret that he would be open to external investment. And that could soon come to fruition with reports in Denmark claiming that Anders Holch Povlsen is exploring the possibility of investing in the Tannadice Park club.
The Danish billionaire, who owns clothing chain Bestsellers and is the majority shareholder in online fashion retailer ASOS, has created a ‘Football Collective’ arm of his business. His Heartlands company already owns FC Midtjylland in his homeland and has a partnership with Portuguese club CD Mafra as well as running talent schools in Africa.
The 51-year-old is the largest private landowner in Scotland with more than 220,00 acres across 13 estates in the Highlands. He has an estimated net worth of £7billion, making him the wealthiest individual in the country, according to the most recent Sunday Times Rich List. In addition to his Highland properties and estates, Mr Povlsen also owns the historic Jenners building on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.
Danish outlet Tipsbladet has stated that Povlsen is interested in acquiring shares in Dundee United having “checked what it takes legally and practically to buy into the Scottish club”. The report also notes that “his (Povlsen) people are also considering other clubs in European countries.” According to The Courier, United bosses have received no approach from Povlsen, but future talks remain possible.
Povlsen is understood to have a close relationship with Brentford chairman Matthew Benham, having purchased FC Midtjylland from him last year. Benham was reported to have taken an informal interest in linking up with United earlier this year but nothing materialised.
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