He entered the department store industry following the acquisition of House of Fraser post-administration in 2018. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? He also stopped in a pub before appearing before MPs this week, right, Rekindled: Mrs Ashley with her ex-husband at a Newcastle match in London last Christmas during a rare appearance together. Oscar Cainer tells all. The reputational damage caused to the company is entirely of Mike Ashleys own making. . By 2006, Sports Direct had more than 150 outlets and owned major brands including Slazenger, Dunlop, Lonsdale, Carlton and Karrimor. [70] The group initially bought 46 leisure clubs and 31 retail outlets from DW Sports Fitness for 37 million to merge with its own business. While Murray, a former nightclub promoter, is undoubtedly chuffed with his new role, where it is estimated he could earn as much as 2.5 million a year, this apparently blatant nepotism is unnerving some Sports Direct shareholders. [27] As of 15 June 2007, Ashley owned a 77.06% stake in Newcastle United, on course to withdraw the club from the stock exchange having surpassed the 75% threshold required. Double Take has survived the pandemic with the assistance of cash and loans from Mash Holdings her father's personal company. Just a couple of days later, the company made a U-turn on this decision, announcing that they would be closing until given the green light to reopen by the government. Shearer however was unable to achieve more than 5 points from the 8 games he was in charge, and on 24 May, the Magpies were relegated to the Championship. Since Sports Direct International Plc went public, and his purchase of Newcastle United where he took to sitting in the stands with fans, Ashley took on a more public and accessible persona. After considering a takeover, Ashley took a 9million stake and signed a long-term deal with Umbro. Neighbours who say the first thing Ashley did was raise the security gates and surrounding walls are still getting used to his garish Christmas display. She and her daughter Anna, who both describe themselves as property developers, are also listed as directors of a company called RAAA, which has also been dissolved. Corporate governance watchdogs criticised Sports Direct, the sporting retailer controlled by Ashley, after the retailer revealed that Michael Murray would lead its UK and international property team. The budget sportswear retailer has also struck a licensing deal with makeup brand SPORT FX, which is owned by a company where Matilda Ashley is a director. Also on Thursday, the FRC wrapped up an earlier investigation into Sports Direct, which probed why the firm failed to discuss the development and performance of the firm's international stores in its last Annual Report. Shaped to resemble a seagull's wing, the house has a 'party-cave' built on the site of a former disco. Matilda launched her Double Take firm in 2015. The boyfriend of Mike Ashleys eldest daughter could earn about 2.5m a year after being controversially put in charge of Sports Directs property empire. The retailer said its profit margins had been hit by the pounds sharp decline since the Brexit vote. But recently shes upped the stakes. admitting the company has become too big for him to control solely. He was also tasked with modernising the business and creating a more upmarket image. The second property, a former nightclub built inside a cave, includes a lift down to a white sand beach. She spent another 2 million buying the cottage next door, which acts as a gatehouse to the property, now worth 20 million. However, Murrays consultancy, MM Prop Consultancy Limited, was only set up on 17 December and is registered to the same address as Ashleys business interests. Speaking on Radio 4s Today programme, Simon Walker, director general of the Institute of Directors, said the company was making changes, but that they did not go far enough. Interest also mounted around the feasibility of a fan buyout of the club, seeing the launch of the Newcastle Fans United group. At any other FTSE 100 company, this would not be tolerated. Sprawling home where JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered in 1996 is listed for sale for $7 MILLION by current Royal Mail increase price of first class stamp by 15p to 1.10 in record-breaking hike. Plastic surgeon reveals five cosmetic procedures she would NEVER get - from dangerous Brazilian butt lifts BEL MOONEY:Why does caring for my dad take over my life? They've found their spark again. SHARE OF THE WEEK: Darktrace's Poppy Gustafsson faces questions about company's financial health when she As chip designer Arm chooses to float in US Ex-chancellor warns London stock market now 'less attractive'. After their divorce, Linda kept the home and Mike moved into a 33-room pillared mansion down the road, bought in 2005 for 12 million. After their divorce interior designer Mrs Ashley, who is mother of the billionaire's three children, 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. Friends say Ashley adores her and always has. Will spray foam insulation make your property hard to sell or mortgage? As part of the original flotation agreement, each key senior management team would receive the same bonus and pay while employed by Sports Direct. Lee Charnley was quietly announced as his successor in 2014. Neil Craven, Financial Mail on Sunday, Tycoons who built Asos into a 5bn empire: Shares in the online retailer surge after it snaps up Topshop and Miss Selfridge, Mike Ashley's Frasers to buy back 60m of its own shares despite warning of 200m hit from Covid. From 675 Louboutin ankle boots to 1,000 Missoni beachwear and 200 Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, she always looks the part. Reunited:Sports Direct International founder Mike Ashley and his ex-wife Linda, who have rekindled their relationship after their 50million break-up in 2002, New life: Mrs Ashley, the mother of Mike Ashley's three adult children, had a son Tyler, pictured together in 2006, withSimon Brodin, an ex-boyfriend of S Club 7 pop star Rachel Stevens. Ashley said his long term ambition for Sports Direct was to become the Selfridges of sports retail. Sports Direct chairman Keith Hellawell blamed an "extreme political, union and media campaign" for the profit slump, saying it has "damaged its reputation and influenced our customers." Mikes other two properties are thought to be in Playa de las Americas, a lively resort in Tenerife, near the holiday retreats of Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey. As well as indulging Ashley's love of football, the couple are known for spending their spare time hosting lavish parties, and Mike is also a keen gambler. Hardly an auspicious start for a man whose personal fortune now tops 2.4 billion. Anna and her boyfriend Michael Murray have set up home together in a 10.7 million house in London's exclusive Belgravia. Are investors underestimating the impact of rate rises? [69], In August 2020, Ashley's Fraser Group purchased assets from the gym and fitness chain DW Sports, in a deal worth up to 44 million. The boyfriend of Mike Ashleys daughter is in line for a multimillion-pound payout from the billionaires Sports Direct empire, after the company revealed that he will head a property division with a 250m war chest. "[41] The move to withdraw the sale proved questionable among many as he had stated little more than a week before that he regretted the purchase of the club and felt he never had the required stance and knowledge to own a football club. Its products sold in her fathers stores include 24.99 mesh leggings and 9.99 sports mascara. The couple have recently got back together after splitting in 2003. The group employs more than 20,000 people in the UK and at stores in Ireland, Belgium and Slovenia. [12], Ashley has made his money by buying brands. By Drivers face fuel-guzzling 52-mile trip so council can fix just 546 yards of road. Having studied at a trendy London music school, Mikes son, Ollie, 26, works as a DJ, by the name of DJ Exotica. Now we step inside the breathtakingly extravagant world of the Flashy Ashleys . [54], On 14 April 2020, it emerged that a request to undertake the Premier League's Owners' and Directors' Test had been filed by a consortium consisting of PCP Capital Partners, Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), as the final stage of their 300m bid to purchase ownership of Newcastle United from Mike Ashley. Murray previously ran student nights in Reading, Berkshire with a friend. We have no doubt that institutional investors will seek assurance and clarity about the nature of the business relationships.. Loose or informal governance arrangements have the potential to surprise investors, something they would rather avoid. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The company owns SportFX's cosmetics brand. As his wealth exploded their lifestyles are said to have become polar opposites. He was formerly the owner of Newcastle United football club, having bought it for 135million in 2007 until selling the club in October 2021. And its proud founder was raking in the profits. Mr Ashley has another daughter, Matilda, aged 20. Mike is also a keen gambler. Ashley is the 59th richest person in Britain, and has an estimated fortune of 2.995billion, according to The Sunday Times Rich List. The couple own a lavish 32million eight-bedroom mansion in Miami Beach, Florida, located in a gated community on La Gorce Island. [59], On 7 October 2021, Mike Ashley sold Newcastle United for 300 million to a consortium involving PCP Capital Partners, RB Sports & Media, and Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. A friend told MailOnline he believes the couple are back together after years of separation - often living apart during the week but spending the weekends together. The company has also done a deal with a beauty company run by the youngest daughter of Mike Ashley, the billionaire founder of the company. A. 'I haven't ever seen his wife and I've never seen him in person but I know his helicopter.'. Billionaire Ashley said he would continue to financially back SportFX for the 'foreseeable future'. "The board consider it appropriate that Michael leads us forward on this increasingly successful elevation journey.". Ashley's ownership of the club was initially popular with fans, despite press scorn for his unconventional approach, by installing Chris Mort as chairman to run the club while Ashley acted as one of the fans, drinking in local bars and clubs, and watched the team from the stands with the supporters wearing the team shirt. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Michael Murray, engaged to Mike Ashley's daughter Anna, is currently head of elevation at Frasers Group. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Read more Sports Direct has already scored its first own goal of the year, Boyfriend of Mike Ashley's daughter in line for Sports Direct millions, Extra 10% Nike discount code for students, 20% off selected items with this Footasylum discount code, 15% off when you sign up - New Balance newsletter discount, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK March 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this March, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. And, despite his high profile, little is known about one of the most colourful tycoons of our age. 3839 Emery St Suite 300, Emeryville, CA 94608. Ashley's popularity increased further with the return of Kevin Keegan as manager on 16 January 2008,[30] to replace the previous regime's relatively unpopular choice Sam Allardyce. In winter, the Ashleys are spoilt for choice. BILLIONAIRE Mike Ashley is the man behind Sports Direct and a host of other brands. Mr Ashley's wife and children have the run of the family's private property portfolio, including a seven-bedroom mansion in North London. But soon this wasnt roomy enough for his growing family son Oliver was born in 1990, daughter Anna in 1991 and Matilda in 1997 and in 1993 Mike and Linda upscaled to a 5 million house with landscaped gardens, another outdoor pool and staff accommodation in upmarket Totteridge, North London. This is not the first deal to involve members of Ashleys family. In February 2003, Ashley bought the Dunlop Slazenger brand for 40million, followed up by acquiring outdoor gear manufacturer Karrimor in March 2003,[13] Kangol for 10million,[14] boxing brand Lonsdale, most of these brands were bought from distressed sellers. Matilda is the daughter of Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley. (Despite this, he has taken on the role of CEO since making those comments.) But it has come under mounting criticism from unions, politicians and shareholders. [37] In the following weeks, after an apparently unsuccessful trip to the Middle East to reportedly solicit potential buyers, Ashley later instructed a London law firm to handle the sale of the club. Of course, going out with the boss's daughter is a tried-and-tested route to career advancement. [52], Ten months later, and with the departure of McClaren and the arrival of Rafael Bentez, Ashley gave another interview. He also bought Newcastle United but many fans are not keen on him. [55] However, on 30 July 2020 the consortium pulled out of the buying process, citing the prolonged delay from the Premier League to communicate a decision as causing their acquisition of Newcastle United to become untenable. Witch, Harridan, Harpy, and new insults like Karen and Terf. Ashley attended a meeting at the Cheshire home of David Hughes, the chairman of now bankrupt rival Allsports. I've had enough of life': Grandmother, 86, is reduced to tears after killjoy Tory RICHARD LITTLEJOHN: As Florida governor and Donald Trump rival Ron DeSantis steps up his bid to win the Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers speaks out on his deep depression after chemotherapy which left him having 'How I snatched JK Rowling's baby out of her abusive husband's arms - and helped her flee with the Harry Top equestrian rider, 39, once known as the 'golden girl' of horse eventing, is facing jail after being A possum feared extinct is discovered by an amateur naturalist in Papa New Guinea being cooked on a Now California reparations panel RAISES amount it wants to give 1.8m black people from $220,000 to $360,000 My weekly horoscope: What will March 4th 2023 bring for MY star sign? Along the way, Mr Ashley has been dogged with controversy particularly over allegedly 'Dickensian' working conditions at the company's main warehouse in Shirebrook, Nottinghamshire. Mike's other daughter Matilda owns a cosmetics business while his son Oliver is a DJ. In the wake of the Guardians investigation Walker called Sports Direct a scar on British business. View the profiles of people named Matilda Ashley on Facebook. Designed to look like a seagulls wing from the air, the villa has seven bedrooms, an infinity pool, tennis courts and an amphitheatre overlooking the ocean. Sports Direct will get exclusive rights to the . Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. Shes more of a party girl enjoying holidays on chartered yachts in the Mediterranean and jaunts to St Tropez, Miami and Magaluf with a close-knit group of friends. Sports Direct, which has 400 stores across the country, said the primary task for the property team was to find new sites for its larger format stores and its combined retail and gym units. They now live in a multimillion pound mansion in London's posh Belgravia. By I've had enough of life': Grandmother, 86, is reduced to tears after killjoy Tory RICHARD LITTLEJOHN: As Florida governor and Donald Trump rival Ron DeSantis steps up his bid to win the Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers speaks out on his deep depression after chemotherapy which left him having 'How I snatched JK Rowling's baby out of her abusive husband's arms - and helped her flee with the Harry Top equestrian rider, 39, once known as the 'golden girl' of horse eventing, is facing jail after being A possum feared extinct is discovered by an amateur naturalist in Papa New Guinea being cooked on a Now California reparations panel RAISES amount it wants to give 1.8m black people from $220,000 to $360,000 My weekly horoscope: What will March 4th 2023 bring for MY star sign? The comments below have not been moderated. He used to work as a nightclub promotor before overseeing his future father-in-law's personal property portfolio. In 1996, having expanded to 50 outlets, the firm was rebranded as Sports Soccer and acquired the Donnay brand. But as the retail tycoon prepares to hand over the reins to his daughter's fiance Michael Murray, here is what we know about him and Anna. ", "Rich List 2019: profiles 53-100, featuring Mike Ashley and Bernie Ecclestone", "Mike Ashley to step down as chief of Sports Direct owner Frasers Group", "Mike Ashley, the maverick who changed face of UK sports retail", "Sports World International sales climb 45pc and knock JJB off top spot", "The Times UK News, World News and Opinion", "MPDClick: Kangol sold to sports empire (UK)". While Ashley has apologised for past mistakes, with his business practices under scrutiny once again, he and Linda, 50, are nowhere to be seen recuperating, perhaps, in one of their many multi-million-pound mansions around the world. Here are the brands Frasers Group owns. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Lindas company, Current Design and Build, went into liquidation last year leaving her with even more time for swish shopping sprees. The company said in an announcement to the stock exchange: "The group's elevation strategy is transforming the business and receiving positive feedback from consumers and our brand partners, especially on projects such as the new Oxford Street Sports Direct which opened in June 2021. 'Our story is one of hope': Conjoined twins who made history as first EVER pair survive to separation As Charles Bronson faces a parole hearing on Monday Will Britain's most violent prisoner soon be painting Is this Britain's most despicable man? Inside Matt Hancock's 41-hour battle to save his career when photo of 'a snog and heavy petting' with aide Will Vladimir Putin's empress pay the ultimate price for his war on the West? Upon the broadcast of the BBC documentary, Mike Ashley Uncovered, his dealings at Newcastle United were detailed, with it being announced that he only discovered upon purchase of the club how much debt the club was in, and that it cost him another 100m upon purchase to steady the club's financial security, having not viewed the account books prior to purchase. [18] "He likes to park his tanks on people's lawns", said one banker. A scathing parliamentary committee report later compared conditions at its Shirebrook warehouse to a Victorian workhouse. [73][75], Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Company Overview of SportsDirect.com Retail Ltd: People", "Mike Ashley: Sports Direct's media-shy owner enters spotlight", "Newcastle's unlikely lad Mike Ashley calls shots", "Mike Ashley, a shy and retiring retail insurgent", "Sports Direct's Mike Ashley: nasty or nice? The company also pointed out that he is not listed as a director of any Sports Direct businesses, although he is a director of a handful of private businesses owned by Mr Ashley through his Mash web of companies. This despite the 50 million settlement when they divorced in 2003. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. [68], In February 2020, Ashley bought a 12.5 per cent stake in Mulberry, said by a business journalist for The Times to be worth around 19 million. According to friends, he enjoys sports, eating at Nandos and watching football, including Newcastle United, which is owned by Mr Ashley. Sports Directs shares fell by 10% to 280p on Thursday. But Linda, a glamorous property developer and interior designer, is certainly making the most of her husbands bulging wallet. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Ken Bruce finishes his 30-year tenure as host of BBC Radio 2, Moment teenager crashes into back of lorry after 100mph police race, Alex Murdaugh unanimously found GUILTY of murder of wife and son, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Family of a 10-month-old baby filmed vaping open up, Ukrainian soldier takes out five tanks with Javelin missiles. Michael James Wallace Ashley (born 9 September 1964) is a British billionaire retail entrepreneur focused in the sporting goods market, and the chief executive of Frasers Group Plc (formerly Sports Direct International). But Sports Direct has had lots of chances to get its house in order and is paying the price today for failing to really overhaul its corporate governance. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. In its half-year profits update Sports Direct said the Barlin deal was entered into under market terms, and makes good commercial sense. On 31 January 2010, the BBC North East and Cumbria produced a 30-minute documentary detailing Mike Ashley's business successes and lows. [15][16], Ashley has a 29.4% stake in Blacks Leisure Group, the owner of Millets and Mambo,[17] and is thought to hold stakes in JJB Sports and 19% of JD Sports. The report, released on Thursday, says that the firm will take delivery of a $51.1 million (40.25 million) corporate plane within weeks. If I get married again, I'll marry here. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. This does not affect our editorial independence. His family enjoys all the trappings of his vast wealth, and it appears he may be an old romantic too because he has always 'adored' his ex-wife. Sports Direct announced on Thursday that veteran banker David Brayshaw is joining the board as a non-executive director and joining the company's audit committee. Matilda is listed as a director of a beauty business while Mr Ashley's Mash Holdings made 409million profit last year. The billionaire does not even have his own office but holds court from a desk in the middle of an open-plan office, where he sits until around 2am on some days. The arrangement is the latest in a string of deals involving Ashley's family members. When the daily grind gets too much, the Ashleys have not one but four Spanish hideaways in which to sip sangria. The blonde sisters have model good looks and the wardrobes to match. Anna, 25, describes herself as a property developer and both she and her mother are listed as directors of a firm called RAAA, now dissolved. The comments below have not been moderated. Birthday: September 9, 1964 ( Virgo) Born In: Burnham 7 5 Business People #328 Quick Facts British Celebrities Born In September Also Known As: Michael James Wallace Mike Ashley Age: 58 Years, 58 Year Old Males Family: Spouse/Ex-: Linda Ashley siblings: John Ashley children: Anna Ashley, Matilda Ashley, Oliver Ashley British Men Virgo Entrepreneurs ", Sports Direct says in Thursday's update that the deal was done "under market terms and makes good commercial sense.". But in 2014 Mrs and Mrs Ashley were seen stepping into his Bentley after a series of central London dates, including a key dinner in a local curry house. A gardener who works on another house next door to Mr Ashley's Barnet home said he sees the billionaire's helicopter fly over almost every Wednesday. Mrs Ashley's mansion appears to be on the market at the moment - and some newspapers have suggested that Mr and Mrs Ashley could marry again. The Ashleys have a 5 million house with landscaped gardens, another outdoor pool and staff accommodation in upmarket Totteridge, North London. Were mortgage rates below 4% a flash in the pan? How much is Sports Direct supremo Mike Ashley worth? An undercover Guardian investigation last year exposed how Sports Direct workers were being paid less than the minimum wage. Previous gigs include playing for Saudi royalty in Dubai, and in 2014 he set up an internet radio station, called Radar Radio. The companys non-executive directors will oversee an independent review every year to decide with their absolute discretion how much he should be paid. [11] In mid-2006, it was also revealed that Ashley had held talks with John Hargreaves, founder of Matalan on both taking a 25% stake in the retail business and installing mezzanine floors in larger Matalan stores, on which Sports World outlets could be operated. The maximum Murray can be paid is 25% of the increased value. But her then husband continued to drive his well-worn Vauxhall Cavalier, but thisdidn't last forever, however, because Mr Ashley traded it in for a new Ford Sierra a few years later. The 26-year-old is still listed as a shareholder in a party promotion business, TM Bars Limited, which he set up with Mr Mullins. Matilda, Anna and Oliver, from 1998 to 2003. Britain's most gridlocked roads revealed: London tops list with drivers losing a total of 156 hours stuck in Housing market seeing signs of life after grinding to a halt last year, according to online estate agent Rightmove.
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