Plenty of unfinished business with four FA Cup fifth-round ties ending all-square. See the BestPrice outright betting here.

Red and White Holdings Limited have increased their shareholding in Arsenal to over 25 per cent.

The company is owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and his business associate Farhad Moshiri, a London-based investor.

The latest purchase takes Red and White to within five per cent of the minimum 30 per cent stake that would require them to launch a formal takeover bid under Stock Exchange rules.

In a statement, Red and White said the increase in their shareholding was “in line with Red and White’s previously stated intention to secure a significant shareholding in Arsenal and ensure that its position is protected”.

The statement added: “We are pleased to have now secured over a quarter of the shares of Arsenal.

“We are committed long-term investors and supporters of the club and are comfortable that we are now in a protected position.

“We also welcome the strengthening of the squad and look forward to a successful conclusion to the season.”

Red and White was formed in August 2007 following the initial sale of former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein’s 14.5 per cent stake in the club.

Other members of the Arsenal board currently have an agreement in place whereby none will sell their shares within a specified timeframe.

Plenty of unfinished business with four FA Cup fifth-round ties ending all-square. See the BestPrice outright betting here.

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