Who is Stanley Kroenke?

Stanley Kroenke is an American businessman. He owns a basketball team Denver Nuggets, the football team Colorado Rapids, the hockey team Colorado Avalanche, 40% of Los Angeles Rams and now he is practically the only owner of Arsenal.

How did it all begin?

His share fraction was 9.9% in 2007 but by June 2008 the American owned 29.9% of the equity share. In April 2011 he bought a majority stock of shares. Usmanov (Russian Businessman) acquired his first shares of Arsenal in 2007. In February 2016 his ex-partner in Red and White company sold to Russian businessman all his shares in Arsenal. Since then Usmanov’s share increased to 30.04%.

Unravelling of the plot

Throughout these years Kroenke and Usmanov tried to buy each other shares in Arsenal. In May 2017 Usmanov offered Kronke $1.3 billion to buy a controlling stake but the American refused to accept the offer. And Usmanov was even ready to increase his offer to $ 2.3 billion. In the autumn of the same year Kroenke offered Usmanov £525 million for his stake in the club. Usmanov replied that he wouldn't conduct any negotiations on the sale of his shares. In July Usmanov made up mind with the fact that Kroenke would never sell him his share and "wants to quit the game."

Culmination. August, 7th.

Stan Kroenke has already bought a 30 percent stake in the London Arsenal football club from Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov.

"We make this offer to rise the share of ownership of the club to 100% at KSE (Kroenke Sports and Entertainment)," - says Kronke.

This transaction (more than $711 million) makes Kroenke practically the only Arsenal owner. He thanked Usmanov for his dedication to the club, its values, spirit and history. The American businessman believes that a single ownership of the club will contribute to the rapid development and advancement of Arsenal.

But the fans don’t approve of his actions. «This news marks a dreadful day for Arsenal Football Club» says Arsenal Supporters' Trust. They filed an application on the official site and opposed «against this takeover».