She is also a director of a string of companies under the Current Design name, which are listed as liquidated or dissolved at Companies House. According to the Sunday Times Rich List, he is worth 2.7billion. 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 But Linda, a glamorous property developer and interior designer, is certainly making the most of her husbands bulging wallet. When Mike Ashley met his wife, Linda, a Swedish-born economics graduate, in 1986, he was a lowly squash coach working in a sports shop in Maidenhead. After their 2003 divorce, Linda started a relationship with Simon Brodin, 44, a wealthy London businessman whose past girlfriends include a string of pop stars. Sports Direct chairman should face the final whistle | Nils Pratley. Mike Ashley's unforgiving approach to business has made him a billionaire - but his generosity knows no bounds when it comes to his family, especially his ex-wife. Linda, a glamorous property developer and interior designer, is famed for her sense of style. Matilda is Ashley's youngest daughter. MIKE Ashley's retail empire extends beyond Sports Direct. Mike prides himself in shunning Armani suits for cheap High Street tracksuits and carries his mobile phone in a plastic bag. Mr Ashley's 33-room pillared mansion down the road in London's Beverly Hills has a sweeping drive, four garages and its near-neighbours are said to include Arsene Wenger and several members of One Direction. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Mike Murray given 250m war chest to 'create value'in property consultancy role, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. In his statement, Ashley stated "I have listened to you. But not even billionaires can travel everywhere by air. Listed on Forbes as Britain's 20th richest and the world's 782nd richest man in 2017. Hardly an auspicious start for a man whose personal fortune now tops 2.4 billion. Matilda, Anna and Oliver, from 1998 to 2003. Some things have changed because yesterday he left home driving his Bentley, but old habits die hard. Mr Ashley's spokesman said today he does not comment on his personal life. 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'. He hired Merrill Lynch,[20] who initially valued the group at up to 2.5bn ahead of the flotation on the London Stock Exchange.[19]. 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. Matilda is the daughter of Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley. Mike Ashley has three children - two daughters and one son - with ex-wife Linda. Guests arrived by yacht and chauffeured car, while caterers were seen ferrying supplies up the clifftop. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. By 2006, Sports Direct had more than 150 outlets and owned major brands including Slazenger, Dunlop, Lonsdale, Carlton and Karrimor. Mr Ashley has another daughter, Matilda, aged 20. 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. SportFX makes products which it says are designed to withstand the rigours of busy and varied lifestyles, promising 'whether you're bossing it at work, in the gym or on the dancefloor, we have you covered'. [62], In January 2015, Rangers fans protested against Mike Ashley's plans to secure a 10million loan using the club's stadium as security. [38], In January 2009, it was reported that interim manager Joe Kinnear had been offered a full-time position at the club by Ashley. BILLIONAIRE Mike Ashley is the man behind Sports Direct and a host of other brands. WHEN Mike Ashley met his wife, Linda, a swedish-born economics graduate, in 1986, he was a lowly squash coach working in a sports shop in Maidenhead. Looking for Matilda Ashley online? However, Sports Direct added that it is also about to take delivery of a new corporate plane, worth $51.1m (40m). Linda is reportedly trying to sell the house, which she bought after the divorce, to a Middle Eastern buyer but she has another, in nearby Cap Falco, should she crave some Spanish sun. Double Take has survived the pandemic with the assistance of cash and loans from Mash Holdings her father's personal company. The 20million property has a bowling alley, home cinema decorated with life-sized Oscar statues, a golf course, a swimming pool and staff cottages. How remorseless Stephen Bear continued his arrogant antics up until Do not sell or share my personal information. How Prince Harry's chat with guru who compared Hamas terrorists to Jews who battled the Nazis has appalled JAN MOIR: Goodbye Ken, the world always seemed safer with you on the airwaves, Abstaining from masturbating RAISES risk of anxiety, depression and erectile dysfunction, study warns. Yesterday, Sports Direct refused to. But if chairman Keith Hellawell does eventually go on 5 January [at a shareholder meeting] and someone like independent director David Brayshaw steps in, then we might see investors warm a little more to the stock and this could be the nadir.. The parents who fear their 11-year-olds will be scarred for life by the graphic sex education lessons that Two Insulate Britain protesters are jailed for contempt of court after they defied a judge's orders not to 'Derek fights on, it makes me fall in love with him all over again:' Kate Garraway reveals there are days French authorities fear 'narco-tourists' could flock to Normandy beaches after 'more than two tonnes of Hopes for cervical cancer vaccine after trials in mice showed it reduced tumours 80 per cent of the time. 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 will get exclusive rights to the . The Frasers board told investors that a pay and bonus deal is being drawn up on the basis that Michael will become CEO. 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. The retailer said its profit margins had been hit by the pounds sharp decline since the Brexit vote. The company already has its own helicopter, a fleet of vehicles and also owns an inn in Worksop. Sports Direct's trophy assets include the prestigious Lillywhites sportswear emporium at Piccadilly Circus, and world-famous brands including Dunlop, Everlast and Slazenger. Mom who lost both sons to fentanyl blasts laughing Biden, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' The sports retailer, reeling from a year-long scandal over working practices, said underlying profit before tax slumped to 71.6m from 166.4m in the six months to 23 October. 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. Mr Ashley's Frasers Group said it would buy 46 leisure clubs and 31 retail outlets from DW Sports Fitness for 37m to merge with its own business. He should focus his energies on reforming his business, instead of blaming those who have held him to account in the name of the public interest.. Mike Ashley's company owns the rightsto SportFX for clothing, footwear and sports equipment. One acquaintance said earlier this year they are 'more together than not' but the tycoon, who is known to work until 2am on many days, refuses to comment. Estate agent records show the home was let out in March for 3,250 a week. Ashley is the 59th richest person in Britain, and has an estimated fortune of 2.995billion, according to The Sunday Times Rich List. [39], After the club's relegation, Ashley struggled to find a buyer capable of providing proof of funds to purchase Newcastle United throughout August and September 2009, local businessman Barry Moat was reported to have opened negotiation talks with Ashley. The company included information about stores in Austria and the Baltic states in Thursdays results and the FRC said its inquiries had been concluded. 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. The parents who fear their 11-year-olds will be scarred for life by the graphic sex education lessons that Two Insulate Britain protesters are jailed for contempt of court after they defied a judge's orders not to 'Derek fights on, it makes me fall in love with him all over again:' Kate Garraway reveals there are days French authorities fear 'narco-tourists' could flock to Normandy beaches after 'more than two tonnes of Hopes for cervical cancer vaccine after trials in mice showed it reduced tumours 80 per cent of the time. 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. Loose or informal governance arrangements have the potential to surprise investors, something they would rather avoid. He founded his empire with a single store, Mike Ashley Sports, in 1982. After considering a takeover, Ashley took a 9million stake and signed a long-term deal with Umbro. Murray previously ran student nights in Reading, Berkshire with a friend. In that time, he and Linda who wed in her native Sweden in 1989 have been married for 14 years, separated for 14 more and are now said to have rekindled their relationship.
It also has a cinema, family room, entertaining area, gym, games room with bowling alley, spa and sauna, and even a private golf course in the garden. He bought a palatial house near Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, the site of a former 16-bedroom hotel, complete with heated outdoor pool, orangery and 1.5-acre gardens. He adores her and always has. Billionaire Ashley said he would continue to financially back SportFX for the 'foreseeable future'. [65], On 17 November 2022, Ashley bought the CBS arena, Coventry City's stadium, in an attempt to save the football club from debts. [49][50], On the final day of the 201415 season, Ashley gave his first televised interview to Sky Sports, eight years after buying the club. She appears to have a similar sense of humour to her gruff father, beibg photographed recently in a pink frock accessorised with a sash saying 'Miss F***ing World'. 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. Over the next decade, the enterprise just kept growing. As part of the original flotation agreement, each key senior management team would receive the same bonus and pay while employed by Sports Direct. In August, Sports Direct was found. [22], In March 2020, Ashley and Sports Direct came under heavy criticism after an announcement that they would stay open despite increased government restrictions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak. 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. A former friend says Linda would have a big party for her birthday every year. ", "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)". The waitresses were amazed when he ordered 100 bottles of Cristal and proceeded to hand them out to clubbers and spray them over his friends, an onlooker remembered. Neil Craven, Financial Mail on Sunday
He added: I begin to question whether this intense scrutiny is all ethically motivated.. Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. He entered the department store industry following the acquisition of House of Fraser post-administration in 2018. You want me out. The reputational damage caused to the company is entirely of Mike Ashleys own making. 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. Its parked at a stables in Radlett, Hertfordshire, where insiders say Matilda or, more likely, her dad pays between 800 and 900 a month for her horse to be mucked out. A scathing parliamentary committee report later compared conditions at its Shirebrook warehouse to a Victorian workhouse. 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 Ashleys love to celebrate their vast wealth, and during their marriage were known for hosting parties at the family home. [40], On 27 October, Ashley took Newcastle United off the market after again failing to find a suitable buyer for the club. The first major brand he bought was Donnay. The company is reeling from a year rocked by scandal, with allegations of abusive working practices and numerous PR gaffes. Mom who lost both sons to fentanyl blasts laughing Biden, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has a person fortune topping 2.4billion Thirty years ago he was a squash coach who worked in a sports shop Ashley is said to have recently rekindled his. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. Its not the first time Mike has helped him out: the deposit for the couples home was a loan from the Bank of Dad. But fast forward 30 years and Mike, the tycoon who founded Sports Direct and owns Newcastle United football club, has become a notorious and highly controversial figure while raking in vast amounts of money from his myriad businesses. By
In August, Sports Direct was found to be paying hundreds of thousands of pounds to a company run by Ashley's brother for making international deliveries on behalf of the retailer. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. 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. On 23 May 2007, in a surprise move, Ashley bought Sir John Hall's 41.6% stake in Newcastle United at one pound per share, for a total cost of 55,342,223[25] via his company St James Holdings Ltd. He was formerly the owner of Newcastle United football club, having bought it for 135million in 2007 until selling the club in October 2021. According to friends, he enjoys sports, eating at Nandos and watching football, including Newcastle United, which is owned by Mr Ashley. But recently shes upped the stakes. As they rekindle their relationship (they were spotted back together in 2011), the Ashleys have downsized: Linda sold the old family home and put her other house on the market last year. That is what I am now trying to do. 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. 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? The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. While Linda's jet-set personal life sounds idyllic, some of her more recent business ventures appear to have hit some obstacles. On 28 December, Ashley announced that the club was no longer up for sale, after he had failed to find an acceptable buyer. The profit slump has hit shares hard, with shares down over 7% at close to 10.20 a.m. GMT (5.20 a.m. He said: 'As far as I know everything is fine between them now. He entered the department store industry following the acquisition of House of Fraser post-administration in 2018. At any other FTSE 100 company, this would not be tolerated. The chairman of Sports Direct has criticised MPs, trades unions and the media for waging a campaign against the business as the retailer reported a 57% drop in first-half profits. 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. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Matilda is Ashley's youngest daughter. ', Close: Mr and Mrs Ashley were married for around 14 years - there was around 12 years when they were not together but it appears they are going strong again, Sports Direct billionaire Mike Ashley's daughter Anna, left, has been dating Michael Murray since 2011 - he has been handed a plum role with Mr Ashley's sports company, Mr Ashley's youngest child Matilda'ssocial media profiles are full of glamorous selfies, left, she owns a Chelsea house bought for 5million - her brother Oliver works in radio rather than for the family business. He's happy, she's happy, and to the amazement of people who know them, Mike and Linda are now getting back together.'. This is not the first deal to involve members of Ashleys family. [12], Ashley has made his money by buying brands. [72], In 1988 aged 24, he married Linda Jerlmyr, a Swedish-born economics graduate, and the couple have three children. Glamorous: Mrs Ashley is an interior designer from Sweden and the couple are believed to have married in Gothenburg in the late 1980s. The couple have recently got back together after splitting in 2003. 'Mike Ashley is only 51 and will have no desire to step down for a long time,' said one City insider. He was formerly the owner of Newcastle United football club . One theory in City circles is that Mr Ashley is grooming Murray to take over the whole company. In winter, the Ashleys are spoilt for choice. A. This could lead to Mr Murray becoming a multimillionaire, if he is successful. The main issue was whether the retailers strategic report complied with the Companies Act 2006 requirement to be balanced and comprehensive. He made his money in the sporting goods business through his retailing group Sports Direct. Financial documents for the year to April 2020 made available in recent days reveal that Double Take owes more than 1.6million to Mash Holdings. [42] The club released future plans in the same statement, announcing the club would attempt to sell the club's stadium naming rights to raise funds to clear debts of the club, causing outrage among Newcastle fans across the world who felt the club would lose tremendous heritage with the name of St James' Park changed. Sports Direct said in a statement: Michael has a consultancy arrangement with the company, is not paid a salary, and is not a director of any company within the Sports Direct Group. [26] On 7 June, it was confirmed that chairman Freddy Shepherd had agreed to sell his 28% share to Ashley, which left Ashley free to take control of the club. '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? Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at forex and spread-betting firm ETX Capital, said: The company is blaming everyone else and its true that negative PR of this scale is very hard to shake. [19], In late November 2006, a number of business newspapers reported that Ashley was looking at an IPO of Sports World International. Mr Ashley's wife and children have the run of the family's private property portfolio, including a seven-bedroom mansion in North London. If I get married again, I'll marry here. He built it up from a single shop in Maidenhead, Berkshire, into one of the nation's most successful. 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. 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. [31], On 30 August 2008, Ashley was shown on live television drinking beer while with fans in the away stand during Newcastle's game against Arsenal in London, contravening Premier League licensing rules stating that alcohol may not be consumed in sight of the pitch. So, Mike Ashley, can we handle the truth? At the meeting Dave Whelan, the founder of JJB Sports, reportedly told Ashley: "There's a club in the north, son, and you're not part of it."[24]. In addition, Murrays former home in Chelsea is now owned by Matilda Ashley, the tycoons youngest daughter, who paid 5.1m for the property in September. 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 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. In the wake of the Guardians investigation Walker called Sports Direct a scar on British business. Oliver Parry, senior corporate governance adviser at the IoD, said: Although it is ultimately up to each individual company to determine who they appoint to executive roles, shareholders will rightly be concerned about the appointment process surrounding Michael Murray, as well as how he will be remunerated. His remuneration is based solely on creating value, with the companys non-executive directors overseeing an independent review annually and deciding, in their absolute discretion, how much of any increased value (up to a maximum of 25 per cent) shall be paid to Michael.. Journalist Chris Jackson travelled to Thailand to visit the factories in which Ashley's material for his brand of Lonsdale is made. The house appears to be on the market at the moment - and some newspapers have suggested that Mr and Mrs Ashley could marry again. A leg-up from Mike Ashley for daughter's beauty firm 2021-07-25 - By Neil Craven SPORTS DIRECT tycoon Mike Ashley has pledged financial support for his daughter's cosmetics company following its fifth consecutive year of losses. Ashley was also forced to defend himself in January after he gave his daughter's boyfriend a 10 million loan on behalf of the company and a high-powered job managing property for Sports Direct. Among his fleet of expensive cars are a black Bentley, a BMW 7 Series and a champagne-coloured Aston Martin DB4 with cream interior, which he bought for Linda as a birthday present. [64] On 23 June 2017, Ashley sold his entire Rangers shareholding to Club 1872 and Julian Wolhardt. Under this measure, Murray could collect up to 2.58m in remuneration. [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. However, by paying Murray as a consultant and not directly employing him, Sports Direct does not have to make the same financial and regulatory disclosures. At Sports Direct, Mr Murray will be expected to help rebuild the companys prospects, which have been hit recently by poor results, as the retailer lost out to rivals including JD Sports, while an expansion into Austria has hit profits. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited.