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Newcastle owner Mike Ashley’s billionaire lifestyle with 33-bed London house, £32m Miami mansion and four homes in Spain

• Published : 7:33, 7 Oct 2021
• Updated : 0:23, 8 Oct 2021

MIKE ASHLEY has finally sold Newcastle United after 14 years.

The Sport Direct boss, who enjoys a lavish lifestyle and is said to be worth £2.3BILLION, sold the club for £300m to a mega-rich Saudi investment group - which would land him a profit of £95m more than what he paid in 2007.

But it's not as if Ashley, a former squash coach, needs the money.

The 57-year-old Walsall-born businessman boasts a stunning property portfolio that includes a 33-bedroom London house, holiday abodes in Spain, as well as a sprawling mansion in Miami.

If that's not enough, his daily commute is taken in a £5m helicopter.

And his kids aren't wanting for anything either.

SunSport takes a look at Ashley's wealth and how he might enjoy himself once he's rid of running Newcastle.

LONDON MANSION

Found in an upmarket area of North London is Ashley's UK home.

He's been a local since 1993 - first living in a £5m with his ex-wife Linda Jerlmyr and their three children in 'Millionaire's Row'.

Then, following a tumultuous divorce, he splashed £12m on a 33-bedroom pillared mansion up the road in 2005.

That property, originally owned by pop producer Mickie Most, has four garages, indoor and out swimming pools, as well as a cinema.

Neighbours were reportedly left dismayed when Ashley upgraded security by raising the security gates.

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When he quietly divorced Linda, in a settlement apparently worth £50m, she soon bought a £6m seven bedroom home on the same road.

Another £2m was splashed on a cottage next door, that now acts as a gateway to that property.

In recent years it was reported that he rekindled a romance with Linda, who he has called the love of his life in the past, but neither have confirmed or denied the report.

FOUR SPANISH RETREATS

A Spanish hideaway is just what Ashley ordered when he bought FOUR plush homes.

His most impressive to sit and sip sangria in can be found in the stunning resort Port d’Andratx, Majorca.

Ashley has a £10m villa that has seven bedrooms, an infinity pool, tennis courts, and a amphitheatre with an amazing sea view.

The property is so private, like Ashley himself, you can only see the home from the sea.

There's another house in nearby Cap Falco, as well as a second property built inside a cave that was a former nightclub, which akin to a Bond villain has a lift down to a white sandy beach.

Ashley also has two homes in Playa de las Americas, Tenerife - a luxury island visited by the rich and famous, including Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey.

WELCOME TO MIAMI

Life is a holiday for Ashley, who owns winter homes in the Swiss resort of Verbier - the most lavish ski resort that has seen the likes of Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice use their slopes.

It's been said that top performers at Sports Direct have been treated to one of his chalets, as well as a private chef.

However, his must luxurious home - which has become somewhat of a refuge because of its privacy, is his Florida house.

The sprawling villa is found in a gated community on La Gorce Island, an A-list resort with its own country club.

Pop legend Cher was a previous owner.

He paid £21m for it in 2013, but renovations have said to have bumped the property's value up by around £10m.

BOYS' TOYS

Like any respected billionaire , Ashley loves cars.

In his garage, you'll find a fleet of fancy motors - including a black Bentley, a BMW 7 Series, as well as a champagne-coloured Aston Martin DB4 with a cream leather interior that was bought for Linda.

But that all pays into insignificance when you see his chopper.

His navy Agusta Westland AW109 helicopter, worth £5million , takes him to Sports Direct's Derbyshire headquarters every Monday morning for a weekly meeting.

In 2008, Ashley was all over the papers for flaunting his wealth.

At a New York bar, he splashed a reported £125,000 on booze on one particularly wild night out.

That included ordering 100 bottles of Cristal champagne, costing £450-a-pop, which he was seen swigging.

And so impressed by the service he got, Ashley even left a £30,000 tip.

For her 50th birthday Linda enjoyed a party at their Majorcan home that is said to have cost £1m.

Guests arrived by yacht or by a chauffeured car, and were given the finest champagne and wine.

Ashley is also believed to like a flutter, and once allegedly lost £1m at Aspers Casino in Newcastle.

Forget the Ecclestones, Ashley's children live just as lavish a life.

In any event, Anna Ashley, 28, would certainly give Petra a run for her money.

She is engaged to Michael Murray, 31, a former nightclub promoter, now on Ashley's payroll at Sports Direct.

They live in a £11m home near London's exclusive Knightsbridge, and he is said to earn around £2.5m a year.

Son Ollie, 28, appears to be the creative of the family, and isn't one who inherited his family's business acumen.

Instead he is a DJ, going under the moniker DJ Exotica, and has played for the Saudi royal family in Dubai.

In 2014, he set up an online radio station called Radar Radio, which was financed by loans from his father.

Matilda lives in a £5.1m West London mews, but has been seen enjoying holidays on private yachts in Saint Tropez on social media.

Through her dad, Matilda set up a Sports FX - a cosmetic branch of Sports Direct that sells everything from mascara to meshed leggings.

Should Ashley be £300million richer with the sale of Newcastle, you can bet the Ashleys will continue to live like kings and queens.

• Football features
• Newcastle United
• Mike Ashley

By SuperyachtNews 14 Jul 2017

Billionaire court case rocks the boat

Mike ashley’s high-profile court case affirms just how legally binding a verbal contract can be.….

There has been a particularly interesting case unfolding recently in London's High Court, in which Newcastle United and Sports Direct owner, Mike Ashley, is being sued by his former business associate and finance expert, Jeff Blue, for supposedly breaching a verbal contract made during a boozy pub session in January 2013.

Blue claims he was promised £15 million by billionaire Ashley if, using his expertise and services, he was able to double Sports Direct's share price to £8 per share within three years.

When the shares did hit £8 within said time-frame, Ashley dismissed Blue’s claims for £15 million as drink-fuelled "banter", and not a serious attempt to enter a legal agreement. Blue did receive £1 million from Ashley but for unrelated work to that in question, according to reports.

While Ashley doesn’t dispute that the conversation took place, he argues that he was too intoxicated for it to be a serious arrangement. This highlights that it is still good to bear in mind where you stand with a verbal agreement and just how legally binding they can be.

While they are very much a part of everyday life, a verbal agreement regarding the trade or servicing of a multi-million-euro asset like a superyacht, for instance, is significantly more precarious than an agreement with the local barber for a pompadour fade.

With a verbal agreement, there must be an offer and acceptance with mutual consent and understanding, which means that both parties are cognizant about what they are agreeing to and the terms of the contract. There must also be good faith, where parties are not entering into a verbal agreement to cheat each other or break the law.

Verbal agreements can be enforced lawfully and upheld in court if a party decides to breach the agreement. In many ways, they are as legally binding as a written contract. However, of course, they are very difficult to prove if one party seeks to renege on the agreement and deny any such conversations ever took place.

As an example of how this can relate to our industry: if a superyacht broker were to negotiate a commission, or other form of bonus, with an owner for his/her services without it being bound by written documentation, if the owner were to later revoke the commission or bonus upon fulfilment of the broker’s services, how easy would it then be for the broker to prove what was agreed?

I do not think I am misguided in thinking that a level of unsullied decorum is not always present when the numbers get big and scary, so it is certainly worth considering a written contract when any doubts present themselves, as Ashley’s case is proving.

Image courtesy of BBC.

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Newcastle owner Mike Ashley’s billionaire lifestyle with 33-bed London house, £32m Miami mansion and four homes in Spain

• Published : 9:22 ET, Mar 31 2020
• Updated : 19:23 ET, Oct 7 2021

MIKE ASHLEY has finally sold Newcastle United after 14 years.

The Sport Direct boss, who enjoys a lavish lifestyle and is said to be worth £2.3BILLION, sold the club for £300m to a mega-rich Saudi investment group - which would land him a profit of £95m more than what he paid in 2007.

But it's not as if Ashley, a former squash coach, needs the money.

The 57-year-old Walsall-born businessman boasts a stunning property portfolio that includes a 33-bedroom London house, holiday abodes in Spain, as well as a sprawling mansion in Miami.

If that's not enough, his daily commute is taken in a £5m helicopter.

And his kids aren't wanting for anything either.

SunSport takes a look at Ashley's wealth and how he might enjoy himself once he's rid of running Newcastle.

LONDON MANSION

Found in an upmarket area of North London is Ashley's UK home.

He's been a local since 1993 - first living in a £5m with his ex-wife Linda Jerlmyr and their three children in 'Millionaire's Row'.

Then, following a tumultuous divorce, he splashed £12m on a 33-bedroom pillared mansion up the road in 2005.

That property, originally owned by pop producer Mickie Most, has four garages, indoor and out swimming pools, as well as a cinema.

Neighbours were reportedly left dismayed when Ashley upgraded security by raising the security gates.

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When he quietly divorced Linda, in a settlement apparently worth £50m, she soon bought a £6m seven bedroom home on the same road.

Another £2m was splashed on a cottage next door, that now acts as a gateway to that property.

In recent years it was reported that he rekindled a romance with Linda, who he has called the love of his life in the past, but neither have confirmed or denied the report.

FOUR SPANISH RETREATS

A Spanish hideaway is just what Ashley ordered when he bought FOUR plush homes.

His most impressive to sit and sip sangria in can be found in the stunning resort Port d’Andratx, Majorca.

Ashley has a £10m villa that has seven bedrooms, an infinity pool, tennis courts, and a amphitheatre with an amazing sea view.

The property is so private, like Ashley himself, you can only see the home from the sea.

There's another house in nearby Cap Falco, as well as a second property built inside a cave that was a former nightclub, which akin to a Bond villain has a lift down to a white sandy beach.

Ashley also has two homes in Playa de las Americas, Tenerife - a luxury island visited by the rich and famous, including Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey.

WELCOME TO MIAMI

Life is a holiday for Ashley, who owns winter homes in the Swiss resort of Verbier - the most lavish ski resort that has seen the likes of Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice use their slopes.

It's been said that top performers at Sports Direct have been treated to one of his chalets, as well as a private chef.

However, his must luxurious home - which has become somewhat of a refuge because of its privacy, is his Florida house.

The sprawling villa is found in a gated community on La Gorce Island, an A-list resort with its own country club.

Pop legend Cher was a previous owner.

He paid £21m for it in 2013, but renovations have said to have bumped the property's value up by around £10m.

BOYS' TOYS

Like any respected billionaire, Ashley loves cars.

In his garage, you'll find a fleet of fancy motors - including a black Bentley, a BMW 7 Series, as well as a champagne-coloured Aston Martin DB4 with a cream leather interior that was bought for Linda.

But that all pays into insignificance when you see his chopper.

His navy Agusta Westland AW109 helicopter, worth £5million , takes him to Sports Direct's Derbyshire headquarters every Monday morning for a weekly meeting.

In 2008, Ashley was all over the papers for flaunting his wealth.

At a New York bar, he splashed a reported £125,000 on booze on one particularly wild night out.

That included ordering 100 bottles of Cristal champagne, costing £450-a-pop, which he was seen swigging.

And so impressed by the service he got, Ashley even left a £30,000 tip.

For her 50th birthday Linda enjoyed a party at their Majorcan home that is said to have cost £1m.

Guests arrived by yacht or by a chauffeured car, and were given the finest champagne and wine.

Ashley is also believed to like a flutter, and once allegedly lost £1m at Aspers Casino in Newcastle.

Forget the Ecclestones, Ashley's children live just as lavish a life.

In any event, Anna Ashley, 28, would certainly give Petra a run for her money.

She is engaged to Michael Murray, 31, a former nightclub promoter, now on Ashley's payroll at Sports Direct.

They live in a £11m home near London's exclusive Knightsbridge, and he is said to earn around £2.5m a year.

Son Ollie, 28, appears to be the creative of the family, and isn't one who inherited his family's business acumen.

Instead he is a DJ, going under the moniker DJ Exotica, and has played for the Saudi royal family in Dubai.

In 2014, he set up an online radio station called Radar Radio, which was financed by loans from his father.

Matilda lives in a £5.1m West London mews, but has been seen enjoying holidays on private yachts in Saint Tropez on social media.

Through her dad, Matilda set up a Sports FX - a cosmetic branch of Sports Direct that sells everything from mascara to meshed leggings.

Should Ashley be £300million richer with the sale of Newcastle, you can bet the Ashleys will continue to live like kings and queens.

• Football features
• Newcastle United
• Mike Ashley

Mike Ashley is gone, winner of the only war he cared about

And now the end is here. Out of the blue, during an international break, with minds elsewhere, it’s the way Mike Ashley likes it. Blindsiding the establishment, a flash sale. Sports direct. One last reminder that if everything must go, it will be done on Retail Mike’s terms.

From Benwell to Byker, there will be Newcastle United fans howling with happiness and relief at the news — not just that the club has been sold, but that the man who has occupied it for 14 unsatisfactory years has departed. He leaves a team second-bottom of the Premier League without a win this season and out of the League Cup . He leaves a fanbase pummelled into apathy.

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Not that Ashley will care. He, too, will be howling and if there is vomit in a pub fireplace somewhere in the south of England it will be through too much champagne, not because he is sick with rage that he has lost his big football toy. No, Ashley will be celebrating this day — he has got his price, he’s won his last battle, he has beaten the Premier League. He’s won his war .

It has been long and attritional and it has worn down Tyneside. It was four years ago this week when Amanda Staveley first appeared at St James’ Park. Rafa Benitez was into his second full season as Newcastle manager. They drew 1-1 with Liverpool ; Joselu scored for Newcastle, Philippe Coutinho for Liverpool. These feel like names from long ago.

Ever since, a deal has been on, then off, on, then off.

Today, the Premier League appear to have accepted the idea that the Saudi Arabian money behind this purchase is separate from the Saudi state. Plenty, including many on Tyneside, will find that hard to swallow . But it is done.

It means a different separation at St James’, and a different audit. This one trails back to the day in May 2007 when Liverpool lost 2-1 to AC Milan in the Champions League final in Athens. Ashley had come out of the blue that afternoon to buy a football club in a sector he knew little about for £134 million.

Selling now for £300 million would imply a £166 million profit and good business, but it is the most superficial of assessments.

At a time of plenty, when Premier League television revenues soared from £1.7 billion in 2007 to £5.1 billion in 2016, Newcastle sagged as a business. Ashley, this figure with a mercurial reputation in retail when he arrived, spent pre-pandemic time at St James’ overseeing the filling of empty seats with given-away tickets.

It is the ultimate symbol of a failed business venture: distributing the product for free in a football city renowned for dedication in the face of prolonged failure. This is a different bottom line.

Over a period of 14 years and four months, so many diehard Newcastle fans decided it was no longer tolerable to go to St James’, 10,000 of them turned away. The fans’ anthem became: “Get out of our club”; what kind of good business does that? Even with supporters back as COVID-19 restrictions were eased, there were still 8,000 empty seats for the visit of Southampton in August.

Ashley is not the club’s first bad owner, it has to be said. Go back to 1955 — and you must also do that to speak of Newcastle’s last major domestic trophy — and 2,000 members of the Shareholders’ Association attended an angry meeting at the City Hall. They were unimpressed by a lack of boardroom ambition and registered a vote of no confidence in the board. One popular player, Frank Brennan, would say in a nod the suits’ way: “We won the cup in spite of the circus up there.”

Even the great Geordie folk hero Jackie Milburn, whose name adorns the main stand today, threatened to leave and if you whistle through the decades — dilapidated St James’ missing out on the 1966 World Cup altogether while tournament games were staged at Roker Park (Sunderland) and Ayresome Park (Middlesbrough), through to “Sack The Board” and “selling the family silver” in the 1980s — Newcastle are not a club with some grand tradition of competent governance.

Historically, agitation has been a near-constant, but the difference with the Ashley variety is the depth of disaffection.

That has become so dominant a theme it is hard to recall another period, but it is important to say that when he first walked in the Milburn Entrance, it was not hostile. Rather, there was anticipation. Ashley had a chance at Newcastle.

It may not feel like it to anyone aged around 25 or younger, but there was a time before Ashley. From 1992 to 2007, Newcastle were owned and controlled by the Hall and Shepherd families. They were headed respectively by Sir John and Freddy, and were not always popular.

In their final season in charge, Newcastle fans turned on the hierarchy after a home defeat by Sheffield United and then again after the club went out of the UEFA Cup (today’s Europa League ) in March 2007 at AZ Alkmaar.

Glenn Roeder was the manager and the club was tense. Supporters’ ire was aimed at Shepherd — John Hall having ceded his day-to-day influence to his son, Douglas. Shepherd had lost patience with Hall Senior, who was seeking to sell his 40 per cent stake in the club. There were discussions with companies called Polygon and Belgravia.

“Sir John Hall has to decide what his role is,” Shepherd said in January 2007. “The future of this club is in his hands. He has to decide whether he wants to stick or sell.”

After the 1990s glory days of Kevin Keegan and the Champions League nights under Sir Bobby Robson in the early 2000s, Newcastle as a club had become stale. Hall and Shepherd had ambition and oversaw the reconstruction of St James’ into a grand 52,000-capacity stadium, but questionable transfers, the “Fake Sheikh” incident in which Shepherd and Douglas Hall mocked the supporters, and early-season knee-jerk managerial changes had eroded their popular authority.

This was the atmosphere when Ashley arrived. Newcastle had ended the 2006-07 season 13th in the top flight with Nigel Pearson caretaker manager, Roeder having been dismissed. A week later Sam Allardyce was appointed, eight days before Ashley, unknown to Shepherd, was announced as the new owner.

Shepherd did not want to sell but when he finally agreed, it brought him £40 million. The Halls, father and son, made £90 million. These sums came to matter more to Ashley over time. As one associate was to point out: “The thing that really annoys him, really pisses him off, is that he’s spent his own money on Newcastle and hasn’t made a penny out of it. And the last lot, Freddy Shepherd and Sir John Hall, made a load of money from the club and people loved them. But they hate him.

“If you’re going to be fair, you have to point that out.”

In the beginning, personal excitement trumped any such bitterness. Ashley was 42 years old and could afford to be phlegmatic. He had just floated Sports Direct on the Stock Exchange and raised £929 million. In the City of London, there was a “mad genius” hype around him. He was cash-rich.

If Newcastle were a surprise purchase from a surprising buyer, Ashley would explain: “People have to understand that I’ve always been a big football fan…When the (Newcastle) opportunity came up, it was what I’d call a no-brainer…I was being offered the chance to own one of the jewels, one of the diamonds of the Premier League.”

A man branded a reclusive maverick spoke to the News of the World in October 2007 and said: “I’ve reached the point in my life, in my career, where I want to enjoy a bit of my success. I want to have fun and win some trophies. That’s the first aim, to get trophies in the cabinet.”

Ashley then made a joke about needing to buy the club a trophy cabinet.

It was the tone of his first few months in charge — a Lad in the boardroom. He was first seen publicly at a Newcastle match when he appeared unannounced in the directors’ box at Middlesbrough, not in the customary suit, but in a black-and-white No 17 shirt with Newcastle’s then-midfielder Alan Smith’s name on the back. Ashley celebrated with gusto when Charles N’Zogbia and Mark Viduka twice put Newcastle in front in a derby that ended 2-2.

Tyneside smiled, but it also scratched its head. Who was this bloke from Berkshire?

For the first home game of the new ownership era, against Aston Villa in August 2007, Ashley did not turn up. In the match programme that day, there was nothing from the club’s new owner. No hello, no mission statement.

Still, because large sections of fans were tired of the previous regime and expectations had been lowered, Ashley needed only to be competent and measured and he would benefit from Geordie goodwill. There was no anti-southerner bias. Ashley had a chance, and he felt it.

“Newcastle,” he would say, “is a football city and Newcastle United and St James’ Park just have this special energy about them. I love going out in Newcastle, it has a unique atmosphere.”

Locally stories circulated of Ashley in the bars around town. There was mutual excitement. Bolting pints in his replica shirt, Ashley had a populist image. He would bring his parents and children to matches.

In that first October together, when Newcastle hosted Tottenham , a 3-1 win left Allardyce’s team eighth in the league with a game in hand. Ashley had been seen before kick-off in the Strawberry pub across the road from St James’.

Tottenham’s directors may have been baffled — or perhaps not. Paul Kemsley was vice-chairman of Spurs and he was one of Ashley’s closest friends and business partners. Kemsley had been best man at Daniel Levy’s wedding. Ashley had a football network of sorts and those connections may eat into the Premier League ‘cartel’ theories rippling around Tyneside recently.

Also seen that night against Spurs — for the first time — was a large Sports Direct logo on the Gallowgate End. It was a sign of things to come, though then it was not seen as predatory, merely a form of sponsorship. Sports Direct did not have the loud and dubious national profile then it would later have.

If Ashley celebrated after that match, it was for the last time in a while. Newcastle won just two of their next 13 games and, following a dismal 0-0 FA Cup third-round draw away to second division Stoke City , he made his first managerial change. Allardyce was gone.

Harry Redknapp was lined up — Allardyce said as much. But Redknapp stalled, then decided to stay at Portsmouth. Ashley had a new club and no manager.

Sticking with Allardyce immediately after the purchase was, Ashley said, his second mistake at Newcastle. His first had been to fail to perform due diligence when rushing through the deal. Thus Ashley missed the detail that if Sir John Hall sold his shares, the £57 million borrowed from Barclays Bank to fund the re-configuration of the Milburn and Leazes Stands had to be repaid within 60 days. Ashley’s initial £134 million became £191 million.

“I just thought, ‘Shut up about it’. I’m a big boy,” he said.

The style of Allardyce’s football was the main consideration in his removal. Ashley said in another interview with the News of the World that he wanted entertainment. The memory of Keegan’s mid-1990s “Entertainers” spurred him — “I want a team that will go all out to try to give Chelsea a walloping,” Ashley said. He added: “I bought this club to have some fun.”

So, after Redknapp retreated, Ashley went back to the source of his Newcastle fun: Keegan.

Keegan’s Second Coming as manager was heralded nationally and reinforced the club’s reputation for storylines. “North-Eastenders” was the tabloid tag. Ashley was seen laughing with Keegan that first night.

But Keegan had suppressed doubts to return. In his first meeting, Ashley had offered Keegan £1 million per annum. Everyone knew Allardyce had been on £3 million. Keegan walked away. Ashley called him back — £3 million it was.

It looked cynical and cheap, though eight months in, perhaps Ashley was beginning to fret about football’s business model.

Beyond a select few, however, no one really knew. The public did not hear Ashley’s voice, he gave no television or radio interviews. Then, in September 2008, he spoke at length to a new club-published magazine. In this interview, he revealed the club had owed £27 million on transfers on purchase day. In his head, that £134 million was now £218 million. His language was muted, but Ashley clearly felt the previous regime had got away with something.

“Probably in the latter years before we came in, you could argue that the club was beginning to lose its way,” he said. “It seemed as though the club was in a downward spiral, one it would have found it very hard to come out of.”

Ashley saw himself as bailing out Hall-Shepherd. The thing is, many on Tyneside shared that opinion, or would have had he stated it more vocally or regularly.

To repeat, Ashley had the opportunity to take them with him.

When he said in the same interview that, “more than anything, I would really love to mirror the Arsenal (academy) model,” most Newcastle fans would have shaken his hand. He said he wanted the club to sign “the next Wayne Rooney, the next Cristiano Ronaldo , the next John Terry. But I want us to get them before they cost £70 million.”

To that end, Ashley had made further appointments shortly after Keegan’s return.

For some reason, Dennis Wise, executive director (football), was one of them. Even in that club magazine interview, Ashley conceded this was “a high-risk strategy”, and so it proved. Ashley listened to Wise and two other men he had brought in, a scout named Tony Jimenez and new managing director Derek Llambias. A clash with Keegan was waiting to happen.

It duly arrived in the August 2008 transfer window when James Milner , then 22, was sold to Villa. Meanwhile, two players Wise recommended, Ignacio Gonzalez and Xisco were brought in. Wise advised Keegan to look up Gonzalez on the internet.

This was an affront. Keegan was born in Scunthorpe but his family roots were as Geordie miners. He had rescued the club not once but twice — first as a player, then as manager — and while not every fan agreed with every Keegan decision, no one ever questioned his sincerity. Keegan was admired, respected, loved.

After the sale of Milner and signing of Xisco, Keegan was gone.

This was the great turning point in Ashley’s tenure.

Keegan subsequently won a case for constructive dismissal, during which Ashley’s explanations were described as “profoundly unsatisfactory”. It is a two-word verdict that has echoed down the years.

The spontaneous Geordie reaction to the undermining of Keegan was vitriolic. At the next game at St James’, “Cockney Mafia Out” — targeted at Wise and Llambias as much as Ashley — became the most prominent banner in English football.

Ashley was shocked and reacted by putting the club up for sale, 16 months after he had bought it.

But there were no takers at Ashley’s price. There would be no sale.

The fun? It was over.

Nobody, however, thought 16 months would stretch into 14 years.

As of that moment, Ashley appeared to re-focus the club principally as an extension of the company he ran Monday to Friday, Sports Direct. Publicity, even of the bad variety, gave Sports Direct a surge in profile.

At the club, meanwhile, Ashley needed a temporary football manager. From nowhere, it was Joe Kinnear.

Kinnear swore 52 times in a volcanic introductory press conference. The squad were as staggered as the reporters. As goalkeeper Shay Given was to say, when the players were told the name of the new manager, one blurted out: “Joe Kinnear? Is there a fucking joke in here?”

Given said he was “shell-shocked”, and he was not alone. Soon, a player who made 462 club appearances would also be gone.

Newcastle’s form dipped; a local consortium headed by Barry Moat thought it was close to buying out Ashley. It didn’t happen. April 2009 brought a request to Alan Shearer to take over to try to prevent relegation, but it was too late and for the first time in 20 years, at Villa Park, Newcastle went down.

Ashley apologised, met Shearer at the training ground, serenaded him as “the best decision I’ve made”… then never spoke to him again.

In the space of a few months, Ashley had burned two Newcastle heroes: Keegan, then Shearer.

Paul Ferris was at that meeting as Shearer’s colleague.

In his autobiography, Ferris quotes Ashley as saying he did not understand the football industry. “This business is unique,” Ashley is quoted as saying. “I don’t understand it and I never will. It’s oil and water for me and I want out.”

The club was up for sale once more. Then came a 6-1 defeat to third-division Leyton Orient in pre-season. A trapdoor was opening, big players left and others took control of the dressing room. Admired and respected, coach Chris Hughton became manager and steered the team to instant promotion, Championship title winners by an 11-point margin, by which time Ashley had altered course and had again withdrawn the club from the market.

It was now 2010 and with new chief scout Graham Carr increasingly influential, another lurch saw Hughton replaced by Alan Pardew. This was not a populist decision and Ashley — who had also changed the name of the stadium to “sportsdirect.com@St. James’ Park” to advertise naming rights — was now definitively Tyneside’s enemy within.

Pardew was seen as a company man, and the company was Sports Direct. Till receipts at the club shop showed it was registered in Shirebrook, the Derbyshire home of Sports Direct, and gradually more and more billboards with the company’s name appeared around the stadium — more than 130. Newcastle were paid just £1 million a season for this advertising space until Ashley doubled it for the 2019-20 campaign.

The public defacing of St James’ grew to be a permanent source of anger for Newcastle fans, as has the decision to sell the lease on the land at Strawberry Place — previously owned by the club. The deal restricts any future expansion of the Gallowgate End.

Pardew was to stay for four years, during which the acquisitions of Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa among others gave the squad a French feel.

In 2011-12, Newcastle finished fifth and qualified for Europe. This was Ashley’s high point in league table terms.

To guffaws within football, he gave Pardew an eight-year contract.

Anecdotally, however, the talk was of fans not renewing their season tickets.

Some were alienated further when, in 2013, Kinnear was brought back to the club as director of football. This time he lasted eight months.

After sustained fan criticism, Pardew left for the Crystal Palace job at mid-season and assistant John Carver filled in for the remaining months and relegation was only avoided on the final day.

He was then replaced by Steve McClaren in the summer of 2015 as anti-Ashley fan protests continued and the club began a policy of having preferred media partners. There was no press conference to introduce McClaren. One fan turned up to watch his arrival. McClaren saw out nine months of his three-year contract.

In came Benitez, incredibly. Benitez’s previous job had been at Real Madrid . Benitez offered himself, and a shield, and Newcastle took it.

“He thought he could save them,” a source close to Benitez says. “What he didn’t expect was to have 13 injuries. Everything else was a disaster — the organisation, the structure, the medical department, all the under-21s milling around, all 12 of the French players together around one table in the canteen.

“There was no unity, no team spirit, nothing. Nobody trusted anyone.”

Benitez could not prevent the club’s second relegation under Ashley, but with Newcastle maintaining a massive wage bill in the Championship, they were promoted, again first-time and as title winners. Ashley could be said to have protected his asset; after damaging it.

Newcastle stayed in the Premier League that first season back under Benitez and have remained there since. But ambition has been on hold, “ticking along” as current head coach Steve Bruce said a fortnight ago.

Benitez was Ashley’s first manager without an English accent, but he spoke the supporters’ language.

The problem for him, as with others, was that along the way Ashley decided he did not want his football club run from the dugout. Anyone who challenged this — Keegan, Shearer, Benitez — departed. Each was admired, respected, loved, by the public.

All the while, there were rumours of fresh bids — Peter Kenyon, the former Manchester United and Chelsea director, tried to broker a deal — but Ashley had his price. He trusts his instincts and wants control. He may have said otherwise, but he was intimately involved at a club with a skeleton staff.

Bruce discovered this when he became Ashley’s 10th manager in the summer of 2019. He found himself agreeing to transfers that were already in motion, including the £40 million club-record signing of striker Joelinton . A manager with power would have been able to halt that. Benitez had power, but he left.

Belatedly, Ashley is now following.

He leaves a legacy of 10 managers, two relegations and not a single semi-final reached in the FA Cup or League Cup — never mind a trophy. Recruitment has been mixed.

And for a man in retail, there has been an overall grim customer experience. Those empty seats. St James’ Park is tatty, in need of investment. The training ground looks like a shack compared to its equivalent at Arsenal or Tottenham. McClaren’s staff called it “The squash club”.

Lurches in approach, lurches in investment, lurches in appointments — from Keegan to Wise to Kinnear to Benitez — Ashley was the supposed business strategist who turned up without a strategy.

Newcastle’s potential remains unmined.

Once again, it must be said: in the beginning, Ashley had a chance. Had he articulated a vision, Ashley had a willing audience, one that knew its history off the pitch as well as on it. The club is not ungovernable, it has just not been governed well. The Tyneside public were not demanding the earth; merely, as one banner said, a club that tries.

That “Cockney Mafia Out” slogan did Newcastle fans a disservice. It was a reaction. There was no innate antipathy, as the London accents of Malcolm Macdonald and Rob Lee confirm. But when Ashley turned on Keegan, the crowd turned on Ashley. He then treated them with smirking disdain. For years.

The fun that Ashley was after ended up being the sponsors’ name on the club shirt. Buying Newcastle United was his fun bet in 2007 but it was no fun for anyone else.

Mike Ashley failed at Newcastle in every aspect bar the promotion of his main business. He leaves unloved.

All in all, profoundly unsatisfactory.

(Photos: Getty Images/Design: Sam Richardson)

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First published in The Observer in 1990, Michael Walker has covered World Cups and European Championships for The Guardian, Daily Mail and Irish Times among others. Author of two football books, one on England’s North-east, one on Ireland.

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Mohammaed Bin Salman’s £305m purchase of Newcastle a snip compared to record-breaking $450m Leonardo da Vinci painting, $500m superyacht and $300m French mansion

• Connor Andrews
• Published : 17:22, 8 Oct 2021
• Updated : 17:22, 8 Oct 2021
• Published : Invalid Date,

Newcastle’s £305million purchase by the Saudi Public Investment Fund may seem like an expensive deal, but it pales into comparison against some of Mohammaed Bin Salman’s other purchases.

The Saudi Crown Prince is said to have a net worth of around £320billion, which would make him the wealthiest football club owner in the world.

Newcastle supporters are still celebrating the news of their sale , with much-derided former owner Mike Ashley finally relinquishing control of the club after a torrid 14-year tenure.

The Magpies are expected to rocket up the Premier League in the coming years, with huge investment from Bin Salman planned.

However, his £305m deal to buy Newcastle is far from out of character for the extravagant royal.

One of the 36-year-old’s most pricey purchases was a $500m superyacht named Serene.

The half a billion dollar yacht may seem less valuable than St. James Park, but it’s not too far off rivaling the stadium's size at an astonishing length of 440 feet.

The superyacht also included two helipads, and indoor climbing wall, a fully equipped spa and three swimming pools, making it far more luxurious than the rundown dressing rooms at St. James'.

The purchase was made in 2016 when Bin Salman spotted the vessel while on holiday in France and quickly made a Russian oligarch an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Way below the yacht in size, but only just in value, was another item which still holds a world record.

In 2017, Leonardo da Vinci’s famed painting 'Salvator Mundi' was purchased for a stunning $450m, but the identity of the buyer wasn’t revealed.

The Wall Street Journal later reported that US intelligence officials kept a close eye on the Prince, and realised he made the winning bid via a proxy during an auction at Christie’s in New York.

The painting of Jesus Christ is now on display in the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and was again another purchase from a Russian businessman, who paid $127m for it in 2013.

Much like Bin Salman’s superyacht, the royal clearly has a penchant for France, with a house he bought in 2015 situated outside of Paris, only a short helicopter trip from his boat.

The $300m mansion is named the Chateau Louis XIV and was named by Forbes as ‘The world’s most expensive home’ after its sale.

Despite its beautiful 17th-century design, the extraordinary 75,350 square-foot property was built between 2008 and 2011, with British firm Eight Investment backing the sale, much like they did for the purchase of Serene.

The new-build is a surprise to the naked eye, but once you get inside it’s just as glamorous and modern as Bin Salman’s superyacht, with a sound system and air conditioning that can be controlled via a mobile phone.

The property is surrounded by a moat, which includes a transparent underwater chamber to reveal rare sturgeon and koi swimming overhead.

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Mike Ashley: What does the Sports Direct CEO own and how much is he worth?

House of fraser, debenhams, sofa.com, evans cycles, newcastle united and more, article bookmarked.

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Sports Direct billionaire Mike Ashley is closing in on a takeover of Debenhams, which would be the latest addition to his rapidly expanding high street empire.

The struggling department store chain has said it would consider a bid from Sports Direct but Mr Ashley is in a race against the clock. If Debenhams secures the funding lifeline it needs it may not need to consider the retail magnates approach, at least for now.

But what exactly does he own and how much is he worth?

Sports Direct

The sports fashion retailer that he founded in 1982 as Mike Ashley Sports now turns over around £3.2bn in revenue and employs approximately 29,000. The company owns the Firetrap, Everlast, Slazenger, Muddyfox and Lonsdale brands among others. Ashley maintains a 61 per cent stake.

House of Fraser

Sports Direct snapped up House of Fraser last year when the department store chain went into administration. Ashley vowed to turn the struggling company into the “Harrods of the High Street”. He had already bought an 11 per cent stake from his friend Sir Tom Hunter back in 2014.

The Great British High Street: 2018 shortlist

Ashley has a 30 per cent stake in Debenhams, close to the level at which he would be forced to make a takeover bid under City rules. He has come up against the management team on a number of occasions and sensationally ousted chief executive Sergio Bucher from the board in January.

Having tried to assume control of the department store chain without buying the shares it now looks like he may be ready to launch a full takeover attempt.

Newcastle United

Ashley bought Sir John Hall’s 41.6 per cent stake in Newcastle United for £55m in May 2007 and acquired the whole club two months later.

Ashley’s approach of sitting in the stands wearing a Newcastle shirt rather than in the director’s box initially helped make him popular with fans, as did appearances at local pubs on match day.

He appeared on live television downing a pint of beer with fans in the away stand during Newcastle’s August 2008 game against Arsenal in London, flouting a Premier League ban on consuming alcohol pitchside.

But the relationship with fans has since soured and many believe he has failed to invest sufficiently, to the detriment of the club.

Evans Cycles

UK retailer Evans Cycles was sold to Sports Direct as part of a pre-pack administration. Ashley’s purchase saved the brand, but half of its 62 UK stores will close, putting hundreds out of work.

Ashley agreed to buy Sofa.com for “a nominal sum” in February, ending a battle with ScS Group for the online furniture retailer.

HMV, Patisserie Valerie

The Sports Direct owner seems to be linked to just about every high street store that has struggled over the past year. He has held talks with HMV’s administrators and was rumoured to be sniffing around posh cake chain Patisserie Valerie. The cake shop was ultimately sold to members of its management team, backed by Irish private equity firm Causeway Capital.

What is Mike Ashley’s net worth?

Putting an exact figure on the value of his combined holdings is tricky but Forbes has it at $3bn (£2.3bn).

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Witness the least professional meeting (allegedly) ever held by the CEO of a publicly traded company

A perfectly orchestrated British business meeting is no easy feat, but companies are usually willing to spend just that bit extra time and money to get it right.

Arranging the biscuits has thus become an art, artisan coffee, and a wide tea selection a must. (Gone are the days of the English breakfast: these high-powered CEOs want zingy peppermint to start their day). For those really wanting to make an impression, offering two choices of water—one with a slight fizz—can also work wonders.

Of course, not everyone conducts meetings in this way. Some, like Sports Direct CEO Mike Ashley, opt for a more unconventional approach. Once upon a time this served him well: Sports Direct didn’t go on to become one of the UK’s biggest retailers for nothing. But unfortunately for Ashley, his meetings and their shenanigans are now centerstage of a trial at the UK’s top court— and for all the wrong reasons.

The case in question centers on a deal supposedly made between former Merrill Lynch investment banker Jeff Blue and Ashley in a London pub in 2013. Somewhere between supping on a cool pint and tucking into a bag of Britain’s finest pork scratchings, (maybe), Ashley allegedly promised to pay Blue $19 million if he could increase Sports Direct’s share price above $10 per share within three years. Blue claims he followed through with his part of the agreement, yet all that money never did find a way into his pocket. Instead, he got just $1 million.

All this makes for some interesting stuff but in this instance, it’s the location that really matters: Ashley argues that he didn’t pay Blue because the deal never really was a deal. It was boys club “banter” —reflective of the environment—that should never have been taken seriously. How could it have been? It was in a pub, after all!

Witness testimonies so far suggest the line between banter and business is not so clear-cut. If, like many other CEOs, the highlight of Ashley’s meetings had simply been the addition of a Viennese twirl to the plate of Scottish shortbread, the idea of it being pub banter alone might have seemed more plausible.

As it happens, Ashley’s meetings were always a tad more raucous and his meeting spots were far from typical. Indeed, Ashley seems to have frequently forgone the boardrooms and the biscuits and opted for casinos, pub “lock-ins”, and copious amounts of alcohol instead. One meeting saw Ashley and his companions drinking a restaurant dry of its most expensive wine; another, Ashley vomiting in a fireplace. Those who dared meet Ashley in the office risked humiliation should their chatter get too dull: Blue told the court how the tycoon once crawled under one of the meeting tables and pretended to take a nap, so bored was he by the whole thing. This statement from an ex-colleague says it all:

This might seem too ridiculous to be true, but it’s actually only the start of a string of revelations coming out of the case.  Allegations made by Blue on Tuesday  include Ashley tampering with share prices to save his skin, side payments to top execs to unofficially boost their pay, and the frequent use of expletives to make a point.

All this leaves Ashley looking rather like a titan that enjoys lording over his company, calling the shots (literally), and making others play by the rules of his own ego-driven game.

The drink-fuelled hangovers may be over, but as the trial goes on, it looks like Ashley has a bigger headache on his hand. Perhaps he should have stuck to the tea and biscuits.

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Sports Direct billionaire Mike Ashley's wife puts 11-bedroom north London mansion with its own cinema and golf course on sale for £19million as couple move back in together after rekindling romance following TWELVE-YEAR split

• Swedish-born interior designer Linda Ashley, 55, is selling her stately 11-bedroom pile in Barnet, north London
• Property comes complete with a 10-pin basement bowling alley, squash court and a grand multi-level cinema
• It also features an  'exceptionally large' gym, a T-shaped infinity swimming pool and a six-hole golf course
• It is believed that the couple are now planning to finally get back together permanently under the same roof
• With estimated £2.995 billion, Mike Ashley is 59th richest person in UK, according to Sunday times Rich List

By Nick Craven for MailOnline

Published: 08:44 EDT, 21 July 2022 | Updated: 12:28 EDT, 21 July 2022

View comments

Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley's ex-wife is selling her £19million London mansion after rekindling her romance with the former Newcastle United owner.

Swedish-born interior designer Linda Ashley, 55, is selling her stately neo-classical 11-bedroom pile in Barnet, north London, just a few doors away from Mr Ashley's own £12million, 33-room pillared mansion.

The property where the Ashleys brought up their two children comes complete with a 10-pin basement bowling alley and squash court, a grand multi-level cinema, 'exceptionally large' gym, a T-shaped infinity swimming pool and even a six-hole golf course, set in 11.5 acres.

But now it’s on the market, it’s believed the couple are planning to finally get back together permanently under the same roof, though their three children, Oliver, 31, Anna, 29 and Matilda, 25, have now all left home.

Anna was married at Blenheim Palace in May to former nightclub promoter Michael Murray, 31, shortly after he took the reins from his father-in-law as CEO of Frasers Group.

With an estimated wealth of £2.995 billion, Mike Ashley is the 59th richest person in the UK, according to the Sunday times Rich List.

But while employees at his Sports Direct stores have complained in the past of suffering ‘gulag’ style working conditions, no expense has been spared on his glamorous wife – even after their £50m divorce settlement in 2002, one of the most expensive in British history.

Linda Ashley, 55, is selling her stately neo-classical 11-bedroom pile in Barnet, north London - just a few doors away from Mr Ashley's own £12m property

 The property is on the market as it is believed the couple are planning to finally get back together permanently under the same roof

The property boasts a 10-pin basement bowling alley and squash court, a grand multi-level cinema (pictured), an 'exceptionally large' gym and a T-shaped infinity swimming pool

Mike and Linda Ashley pictured together as they arrived at a Business, Innovations and Skills Parliamentary Select Committee hearing at Portcullis house on June 7, 2016

After their divorce, Linda went on to have a relationship with businessman Simon Brodin, an ex-boyfriend of S Club 7 pop star Rachel Stevens, and had a son, Tyler, now 12, by him.

But in 2014 - after separating for 12 years - the couple rekindled their romance and were seen stepping into his Bentley after a series of central London dates, including a key dinner in a local curry house.

And in 2016, Mr Ashley was summoned before MPs to discuss the way Sports Direct treated its staff, glamorous Linda raised eyebrows by being at his side. At the time, he said he would address workers' concerns and would personally oversee a review of working practices.

The same year, Linda sold a luxury Majorcan villa which she built with some of the proceeds of the divorce settlement. She was even spotted at St James’ Park when Mr Ashley was still the owner. 

He sold the club to a Saudi-backed consortium in 2021 for £305m.

For years the couple have lived close by each other in an enclave known as ‘London’s Beverly Hills’ while steadfastly refusing to comment on their relationship.

Mr Ashley’s own house nearby is a £12million, 33-room mansion complete with a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, cinema, four garages and helicopter landing pad.

The former marital home is a ready-made ‘party palace’ and will certainly attract a lot of interest from those with deep enough pockets as it goes on the market.

It boasts its own salon, two games areas, a bar, steam room, jacuzzi and separate security lodge and is described by estate agents as a 'hidden gem' and entertaining space for more than 100 guests.

The property's sales brochure states that it would be 'perfect for a family wanting to be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Central London'

The property's fitness area (pictured) comes with a gym that incudes multiple treadmills and a rowing machine, as well as a separate squash court and 10-pin basement bowling alley

One of the 11 bedrooms inside the huge property, which is located within less than an hour's driving distance from central London

In a gushing sales brochure, they add: 'Boasting high ceilings, grand proportions, bespoke contemporary design as well as a variety of sophisticated lighting this impressive space can accommodate over 100 people, making it perfect for large receptions.

'The mansion's acres of stately grounds provide the owner with considerable privacy and contain the outdoor section of a large swimming pool which is surrounded by a grand multi-level patio with capacity for entertaining many guests, making it the perfect location for pool parties.

'This home would be perfect for a family wanting to be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Central London, offering privacy and grand living along with perfect family entertaining space.

'Located within less than an hour's driving distance from central London, boasting exquisite bespoke design, immense proportions, and an abundance of leisure facilities this stately mansion is truly one of the most enviable properties in all north London.'

Former squash coach Mr Ashley started Sports Direct 34 years ago with a £10,000 loan from his parents. He built it up from a single shop in Maidenhead, Berkshire, into one of the nation's most successful retailers.

The couple are said to have first met in their early twenties when Mr Ashley ran his first shop.

As his wealth exploded their lifestyles became polar opposites, with him once presenting Linda with a stunning Aston Martin DB4, while continuing to drive his own humble Vauxhall Cavalier, before upgrading to a Ford Sierra.

Share or comment on this article: Mike Ashley's wife puts her 11 bedroom north London mansion on the market for for £19m

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Mike ashley: Newcastle| Net Worth| Yacht| Debenhams

Mike ashley is a British billionaire retail entrepreneur focused in the sporting goods market, and Chief Executive Officer of Fraser Group plc. He entered the department store industry in 2018 following the acquisition of House of Fraser Post-Administration.

“I want to have fun and win some trophies,” said Mike Ashley soon after. Today we will discuss about Mike ashley: Newcastle| Net Worth| Yacht| Debenhams

Table of Contents

https://youtu.be/n1Q0zWiwjOo

Michael James Wallace Ashley (born 9 September 1964) is a British billionaire retail entrepreneur focused in the sporting goods market, and chief executive officer of Fraser Group plc (formerly Sports Direct International). He entered the department store industry in 2018 following the acquisition of House of Fraser Post-Administration. He is also the owner of Newcastle United Football Club, who bought it in 2007 for £135 million.

Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley has pledged financial support for his daughter’s cosmetics company after making losses for the fifth year in a row.

Matilda launched her double tech firm in 2015. The company owns the cosmetics brand of SportFX.

Double Take has survived the pandemic with the help of cash and loans from his father’s private company Mash Holdings.

Michael Ashley is the founder and CEO of Sports Direct, the UK’s largest sporting goods retailer. Ashley started Sports Direct in 1982 at the age of 18; The company now has over 800 stores. He has acquired dozens of companies, including boxing glove maker Everlast, Wimbledon supplier Lillywhites and department store House of Fraser. The company went public in 2007, with Ashley raising $1.8 billion from an IPO. In the same year, he bought the famous soccer club Newcastle United. Only a year later, he tried to sell the team, citing huge debt. He is still trying to get rid of Newcastle.

The 57-year-old Walsall-born businessman has an impressive property portfolio that includes a 33-bedroom London home, holiday residence in Spain, as well as a sprawling mansion in Miami.

If that is not enough, his daily commute is taken in a £5m helicopter.

Mike Ashley, billionaire high street tycoon, has restarted his long-running campaign against former directors of Debenhams, the department store chain that closed its doors last this year.

Sky News has seen a letter from Chris Wooten, chief financial officer of Sports Direct’s parent company Fraser Group, arguing that Debenhams’ board was set to pay a £35m dividend in July 2018, nine months before its first brush. was guilty in the final death. with administration.

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Frasers’ new director is boyfriend of owner Mike Ashley’s daughter

David Al-Mudallal, who is in a relationship with Matilda Ashley, appointed to Sports Direct parent company’s board

The owner of Sports Direct, Frasers Group , has promoted the boyfriend of Mike Ashley’s youngest daughter to the company’s board, it has emerged.

David Al-Mudallal, 31, the chief operating officer at Frasers, has been appointed to the board of Frasers , making him one of the youngest directors of a FTSE 100 company.

The Sunday Times reported that Al-Mudallal is in a relationship with Matilda Ashley, 27, whose father is the majority shareholder in the £3.6bn company.

The appointment means that two of the 11 members of Frasers board are in relationships with Ashley’s daughters. Michael Murray, 34, who became chief executive at Frasers in 2022, is married to Anna Ashley.

Frasers has not breached any rules by failing to disclose the relationship between Matilda Ashley and Al-Mudallal, and it told the Sunday Times that it took governance seriously. It said Al-Mudallal had a successful track record in business.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Al-Mudallal joined Sports Direct in 2017 as its head of talent. He was then made chief of staff at Frasers in 2019, before moving up to group head of operations and then to the role of chief operating officer in August 2021. He was appointed to the Frasers board last month.

Before starting at Sports Direct he was a project engineer at the building maintenance firm East West Connect, after a getting a degree in American studies at the University of Sussex.

Frasers, which was founded by Ashley in 1982, began life as one shop in Maidenhead called Ashley Sports.

The group now owns more than 1,500 stores across 20 countries. It owns a string of high street chains including House of Fraser, Sports Direct, Flannels, Evans Cycles and Jack Wills. Ashley stepped down from the board in 2022 but still owns 73% of the shares and holds a wide-reaching consultancy role.

Under Frasers’ executive share scheme, Al-Mudallal could be eligible for a £9m bonus if the share price stays above £15 for 30 days and Frasers reports at least £500m of annual profit by October 2025.

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It has been reported that Frasers bought Double Take, a beauty business run by Matilda Ashley, for £1 last October without informing shareholders. She has resigned as a director of Double Take.

In a response to the Sunday Times, Frasers said: “Al-Mudallal is a highly regarded professional who was appointed to his role as chief operating officer and the board entirely on his merits. He has a successful track record in business. We are proud to have him serve. It is laughable to suggest the business would promote figures who were anything other than extremely qualified to do their job well.”

The Guardian has contacted Frasers for comment.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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