ALISHER USMANOV, the Russian billionaire trying to get hold
of Arsenal, has adopted a macabre tactic plundering the dead.
Usmanov, who has a 23 per cent stake in the Gunners, is attempting
to buy all the shares owned by folk who have died.
It is believed nearly one per cent of shares are owned by those who
have passed away. And, while that may not sound a lot, it is a
significant amount in the current power battle. Usmanov is just two
per cent away from a 25 per cent shareholding which, he believes,
would give him a say in the club.
A City source said: When you have an institution like Arsenal, a
lot of shares have been owned by people for many years. When they
die they either get passed down or remain in the deceaseds name.
Im sure Usmanov will make good offers to people who perhaps dont
care quite as much about the shares as those who owned them
before.
Gunners shares are currently trading at £10,000 a piece.
