**West Ham Exclusive**
Investor Talks Heat Up Over Gold Family’s 25% West Ham Stake
Claret & Hugh understands that two potential investors have held discussions with West Ham shareholder Albert Tripp Smith over acquiring the 25% stake previously owned by the late David Gold.
Last week, ExWHUEmployee revealed that a US-based investor had begun instructing lawyers with a view to purchasing the Gold family’s shares. Initially, just 12.5% of the holding was expected to be sold, but as we exclusively revealed yesterday, financial issues at Ann Summers—reportedly involving £13m in losses and a £5m bailout—have forced the family to sell their entire West Ham stake.
It has now emerged that Tripp Smith, who already owns 8% of the club, is in active talks with two US-based investment groups. The founder of CSO Capital Partners and former Blackstone managing director, Smith is well-versed in handling distressed assets and high-level finance. Frankly, it’s no surprise he’s at the centre of this.
Sources have confirmed that the delay has been partly due to the Gold shares being tied up in probate, along with other London investment opportunities being explored.
There’s growing belief that [David Sullivan](https://www.claretandhugh.info/david-sullivan-bio/) lacks the financial firepower to push the club forward, and although no immediate change is expected, any investment is likely to be tied to the future ownership of the [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/london-stadium-bio/).
One thing is clear: Tripp Smith didn’t buy into West Ham to sit quietly in the background. A completed deal for the Gold shares could be the first domino to fall in a wider play for control of both club and stadium.