European rugby could block Mohed Altrad takeover of Gloucester
Friday 16 December 2016 11:49, UK
Bosses of European rugby in England and France could block Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad's potential takeover of Gloucester Rugby.
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) released a statement on Friday insisting that should there be "any risks to the integrity" of Europe's top club competitions through any prospective dual ownership by Altrad then the takeover would be blocked.
The EPCR also confirmed receipt of Gloucester's application asking for consent for the forthcoming takeover.
"EPCR is committed to completing all of its due diligence regarding this matter and to assessing any potential risks to the integrity and image of its tournaments in which both clubs participate, by avoiding any potential conflict of interest, or perception thereof," the European governing body's statement read.
"It is important to consider the views of all stakeholders as part of a fair, thorough and transparent decision-making process."
In addition to the above, the EPCR also outlined the guidelines Altrad and Gloucester would have to follow for a successful takeover, which included a requirement to ascertain clearance from World Rugby, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) as well as from the EPCR itself.
Gloucester have been solely owned by Martin St Quinton since February 2016, though he has been a major shareholder since 2008.
The 68-year-old Altrad bought Montpellier in 2011 and was named World Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015. He would be the first individual to own two top level European clubs at the same time.
"EPCR has received an application for consent for the acquisition of a majority stake in Gloucester Rugby by Altrad Participations - the owner of Montpellier Herault Rugby - and has discussed the matter at the most recent meeting of its executive committee," the statement continued.
"To have a controlling influence on two clubs participating in European club competition would require consent from the unions concerned (in this case, the RFU and the FFR who are both shareholders and are represented on the EPCR Board) as well as from World Rugby and EPCR itself.
"EPCR has written to the three organisations in question, asking for their clarified positions on the matter."
