Yeung edges closer to Birmingham takeover

Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung has moved closer to completing his takeover of Birmingham after his company, Grandtop International Holdings, increased their share capital in the Premier League club to 81.7 percent.

Grandtop announced on Wednesday they have received “valid acceptances” in respect of purchasing a further 42,211,337 of City’s shares.

This represents approximately 51.8percent of the current share capital.

Yeung was already the major individual share-holder after buying a 29.9percent in the club in 2007 when he first revealed his interest in taking control of Birmingham.

The deal is expected to be formally completed in early October and will bring an end to co-owner David Sullivan’s official involvement with the club after 16 years, and also that of managing director Karren Brady.

But fellow co-owner David Gold is set to continue with the club as chairman.