Villa plc board rejects takeover offer

Aston Villa’s plc board today announced that it has received a takeover offer, from a party including Ray Ranson, and has turned it down.

Former Manchester City, Newcastle and Birmingham full-back Ranson has built up a personal fortune since his playing days working in sports finance and insurance.

A Villa plc statement to the Stock Exchange this morning confirmed the offer and its rejection.

It read: “Following recent articles in the press, the board of Aston Villa plc confirms that it has received an indicative proposal from certain parties, including Mr Ray Ranson, to acquire the entire issued share capital of the company.

"Having considered the proposal and consulted with the company’s advisers, the board’s view is that it significantly undervalues Aston Villa and the proposal has been rejected.”