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Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:36 am
by ClaretTony
Danieljwaterhouse wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:12 am
First we’ll formally hear is potentially a 7:15am
announcement
That's a blow then - I make it 9:35

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:38 am
by ClaretTony
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:28 am
Garlick once said that any takeover would be for no more than 49% of the club, as the current directors want to remain in control, so that they could stop stupid moves. It was sometime last year, so please don't ask for a link. I think it was in one of his 'Club' interview videos though.

Finding an investor willing to do that won't be easy, and I doubt that there is a takeover in the offing.
Garlick himself owns 49.24% which, with the dead shares, is over half of the club.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:41 am
by BenWickes
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:28 am
Garlick once said that any takeover would be for no more than 49% of the club, as the current directors want to remain in control, so that they could stop stupid moves. It was sometime last year, so please don't ask for a link. I think it was in one of his 'Club' interview videos though.

Finding an investor willing to do that won't be easy, and I doubt that there is a takeover in the offing.
I don't remember him saying that. He did say he would only do it if it was right for the club. The board have clearly reached their limit in how far they can take us. If this is true and benefits the club and community. As a fan himself, he'd have to take it seriously.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:42 am
by Gordaleman
ClaretTony wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:38 am
Garlick himself owns 49.24% which, with the dead shares, is over half of the club.
Yes, but in a takeover situation he would presumbably sell some of them?

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:43 am
by Gordaleman
BenWickes wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:41 am
I don't remember him saying that. He did say he would only do it if it was right for the club. The board have clearly reached their limit in how far they can take us. If this is true and benefits the club and community. As a fan himself, he'd have to take it seriously.
"I don't remember him saying that." Does that mean it can't be true?

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:46 am
by BenWickes
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:43 am
"I don't remember him saying that." Does that mean it can't be true?
I didn't say it can't be true but he didn't rule out selling to the right investor and as times have changed he will be fully aware that he as a chairman has taken us as far as he can at this level.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:52 am
by Gordaleman
BenWickes wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:46 am
I didn't say it can't be true but he didn't rule out selling to the right investor and as times have changed he will be fully aware that he as a chairman has taken us as far as he can at this level.
Well, I don't know what Mr Garlick is aware of, but I know one thing, whatever happens will be in the best interests of the club, and huge risks will not be taken, despite the clamour from some on here.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:00 am
by BenWickes
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:52 am
Well, I don't know what Mr Garlick is aware of, but I know one thing, whatever happens will be in the best interests of the club, and huge risks will not be taken, despite the clamour from some on here.
I just said that. It'd have to be in the best interests of the club for him to entertain a takeover. He is aware we need investment and we have been actively looking for it for quite a few years now. He has said that.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:06 am
by Danieljwaterhouse
:D
ClaretTony wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:36 am
That's a blow then - I make it 9:35
:D :D I think the city opens up slightly earlier than that.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:09 am
by Gordaleman
BenWickes wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:00 am
I just said that. It'd have to be in the best interests of the club for him to entertain a takeover. He is aware we need investment and we have been actively looking for it for quite a few years now. He has said that.
This is what he said in 2019. No mention of the 49% here but he said they would be looking for sustainable investment.

https://twnews.co.uk/gb-news/the-mike-g ... investment

Garlick is open to the possibility of new investors getting involved with the club, but only in the right manner.

He said: "I think if someone came in and they wanted to invest and they did it in a sustainable way so if they did lose interest we wouldn't be in trouble then you would always consider it but we have never had that knock on the door and there is nothing imminent."

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:15 am
by ClaretTony
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:09 am
This is what he said in 2019. No mention of the 49% here but he said they would be looking for sustainable investment.

https://twnews.co.uk/gb-news/the-mike-g ... investment

Garlick is open to the possibility of new investors getting involved with the club, but only in the right manner.

He said: "I think if someone came in and they wanted to invest and they did it in a sustainable way so if they did lose interest we wouldn't be in trouble then you would always consider it but we have never had that knock on the door and there is nothing imminent."
He'd be less reluctant to sell than the previous chairman. Garlick is very much the businessman, probably Barry's biggest weakness was being a fan and sometimes maybe having to make decisions that he'd have preferred not to.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:18 am
by randomclaret2
Is there anything of substance in this takeover talk ? As far as I can see ,one poster on this messageboard is the only source anywhere at the moment.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:19 am
by Gordaleman
ClaretTony wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:15 am
He'd be less reluctant to sell than the previous chairman. Garlick is very much the businessman, probably Barry's biggest weakness was being a fan and sometimes maybe having to make decisions that he'd have preferred not to.
You might be right, but I don't think anything is 'Simmering' at the moment. Keeping stuff like that quiet when the Twittersphere is around, is very difficult these days.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:21 am
by Bertiebeehead
randomclaret2 wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:18 am
Is there anything of substance in this takeover talk ? As far as I can see ,one poster on this messageboard is the only source anywhere at the moment.
Don’t spoil the fun now.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:21 am
by ClaretTony
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:19 am
You might be right, but I don't think anything is 'Simmering' at the moment. Keeping stuff like that quiet when the Twittersphere is around, is very difficult these days.
I've spoken to a couple of people whose opinions I trust, and two people I would know. I think there has been something from what I can gather but it's certainly very much at odds with what is being said by a poster on here. Who is right I don't know.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:26 am
by Gordaleman
ClaretTony wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:21 am
I've spoken to a couple of people whose opinions I trust, and two people I would know. I think there has been something from what I can gather but it's certainly very much at odds with what is being said by a poster on here. Who is right I don't know.
The ideal scenario of course would be another local investor. Whether or not there is such a person with the sort of money needed, I'm not so sure.

Meanwhile, we're not doing too badly are we?

So much negativity on these boards. I wish people would look more at the positives and just enjoy our so far successful ride.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:36 am
by Ilkley claret
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:26 am
The ideal scenario of course would be another local investor. Whether or not there is such a person with the sort of money needed, I'm not so sure.

Meanwhile, we're not doing too badly are we?

So much negativity on these boards. I wish people would look more at the positives and just enjoy our so far successful ride.
The Hut is about to IPO with a valuation of £5 billion?

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:41 am
by Gordaleman
Ilkley claret wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:36 am
The Hut is about to IPO with a valuation of £5 billion?
And is it owned by a local investor? I wouldn't know.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:44 am
by Ilkley claret
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:41 am
And is it owned by a local investor? I wouldn't know.
Matt Moulding

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:44 am
by Ilkley claret
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:41 am
And is it owned by a local investor? I wouldn't know.
Matt Moulding

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:45 am
by Gordaleman
Ilkley claret wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:44 am
Matt Moulding
Are they twins? Just joking. :lol:

Hmmm, born in Burnley. I wonder if he's a Clarets fan. Do you know?

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:49 am
by DCWat
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:26 am
The ideal scenario of course would be another local investor. Whether or not there is such a person with the sort of money needed, I'm not so sure.

Meanwhile, we're not doing too badly are we?

So much negativity on these boards. I wish people would look more at the positives and just enjoy our so far successful ride.
This sort of statement is old hat.

Supporters are not dismissing what has / is being achieved.
No one is wanting the club to spend ridiculously and risk the future of the club.

That we are at the start of the season with no signings to affect the first 11 is naturally something of a concern, in respect of maintaining our Premier League status.

Because some supporters have a concern about our lack of signings, or indeed criticisms of our recruitment / scouting, does not mean that they haven’t enjoyed or are not enjoying our achievements.

It’s a strange view of fellow supporters that because they dare to have a different view, that they’re not enjoying what we have managed to do.

Perhaps they simply want to back our most successful manager in decades.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:51 am
by Gordaleman
DCWat wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:49 am
This sort of statement is old hat.

Supporters are not dismissing what has / is being achieved.
No one is wanting the club to spend ridiculously and risk the future of the club.

That we are at the start of the season with no signings to affect the first 11 is naturally something of a concern, in respect of maintaining our Premier League status.

Because some supporters have a concern about our lack of signings, or indeed criticisms of our recruitment / scouting, does not mean that they haven’t enjoyed or are not enjoying our achievements.

It’s a strange view of fellow supporters that because they dare to have a different view, that they’re not enjoying what we have managed to do.

Perhaps they simply want to back our most successful manager in decades.
Two points.

1. Where in my comments did I say people weren't enjoying our success?
2. The transfer window doesn't close until Oct 5th.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:54 am
by Local cricketer
The Twitterati will only start to discuss this when Darren Bentley informs them

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:03 am
by DCWat
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:51 am
Two points.

1. Where in my comments did I say people weren't enjoying our success?
2. The transfer window doesn't close until Oct 5th.

1.

“I wish people would look more at the positives and just enjoy our so far successful ride.”

Hardly suggests that people are enjoying the ride.

2.

Yes it does, but with our record of integrating players, it could be a while before they impact the first team. Dyche has said himself, it’s not ideal.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:05 am
by Danieljwaterhouse
Dyche might have to ‘adapt’

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:06 am
by Gordaleman
DCWat wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:03 am
1.

“I wish people would look more at the positives and just enjoy our so far successful ride.”

Hardly suggests that people are enjoying the ride.

2.

Yes it does, but with our record of integrating players, it could be a while before they impact the first team. Dyche has said himself, it’s not ideal.
Interpret those comments that way if you like. That's precisely what I mean about being negative.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:11 am
by DCWat
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:06 am
Interpret those comments that way if you like. That's precisely what I mean about being negative.
Touché :D

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:11 am
by DCWat
Danieljwaterhouse wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:05 am
Dyche might have to ‘adapt’
How confident are you in this and what are the timeframes?

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:24 am
by Grimsdale
Gordaleman wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:45 am
Hmmm, born in Burnley. I wonder if he's a Clarets fan. Do you know?
Looks like he is: https://www.thg.com/news/thehut-sponsor ... ball-club/

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:26 am
by ClaretTony
First ever shorts sponsors weren't they?

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:33 am
by Bertiebeehead
I’ve heard from someone in the know that Elon Musk is keen on buying us and wants to use his space program to springboard us into being the first professional football team on Mars.
Obviously a lot of hoops to jump through so if this falls through I’ll be the first on here to apologise.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:36 am
by Gordaleman
Grimsdale wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:24 am
Looks like he is: https://www.thg.com/news/thehut-sponsor ... ball-club/
Let's hope that 'The Hut' IPO is very successful then.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:39 am
by elwaclaret
I remain intrigued by Daniel’s comments. I have not heard any jungle drums myself but I haven’t spoken to any top level sports historians since well before lockdown, and I am no longer based at either Burnley or Blackburn campuses where our paths crossed regularly, and I first heard rumblings of possible major investment probably eighteen months ago... so I assumed it had gone away...

However if Daniel is on a big fantasy trip, I think it is reaching the levels where he needs medical advice.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:42 am
by Gordaleman
Bertiebeehead wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:33 am
I’ve heard from someone in the know that Elon Musk is keen on buying us and wants to use his space program to springboard us into being the first professional football team on Mars.
Obviously a lot of hoops to jump through so if this falls through I’ll be the first on here to apologise.
Looks like NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab might be about to beat Musk to it.

https://www.astrobio.net/mars/having-a-ball-on-mars/

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:49 am
by elwaclaret
Bertiebeehead wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:33 am
I’ve heard from someone in the know that Elon Musk is keen on buying us and wants to use his space program to springboard us into being the first professional football team on Mars.
Obviously a lot of hoops to jump through so if this falls through I’ll be the first on here to apologise.
My sources involved in working on the Big Bang theory suggest Musk spends far too long working in Soup kitchens to get involved in football clubs.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:58 am
by Danieljwaterhouse
elwaclaret wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:39 am
I remain intrigued by Daniel’s comments. I have not heard any jungle drums myself but I haven’t spoken to any top level sports historians since well before lockdown, and I am no longer based at either Burnley or Blackburn campuses where our paths crossed regularly, and I first heard rumblings of possible major investment probably eighteen months ago... so I assumed it had gone away...

However if Daniel is on a big fantasy trip, I think it is reaching the levels where he needs medical advice.
It’s not my deal, but I’ve been told and seen details that confirm it’s about and in process. If it gets over the line, we’ll that’s between the broker, board and the investor/purchaser. Who knows on timeframes, as I’ve said I think the first we will know in the public domain is when it’s announced to an exchange. The business does look like it’s been prepped for a sale for awhile now. It checks out for me.

As someone mentioned, nothing is certain but death and taxes....

I think there’s one or two others on this board who need medical
Intervention before I do. I’ll happily wait in line.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:02 pm
by cblantfanclub
DjW - "As I have said, if it doesn’t happen, and sometimes these things fall through, then I will happily apologise."

Apologise for what? Reporting what you know in good faith, I don't think that warrants an apology. So what circumstances would warrant an apology from you?

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:07 pm
by Danieljwaterhouse
I think we had a few calling me out, asking if I would should it not work out.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:08 pm
by Danieljwaterhouse
People can sit on stuff, or they can share. I prefer to share and some people prefer or can’t.

Either way, on the whole, this board isn’t well known for its mentally stable reasoned discussions.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:08 pm
by AndyClaret
The hut group are looking to raise 1.9bn in its IPO.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:12 pm
by Gordaleman
Personally, I think an imminent takeover of BFC is even less likely than the Elon Musk story above.

However, I'll be happy to be proved wrong if one occurs that benefits the club long term and doesn't put the club at risk.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:12 pm
by elwaclaret
Danieljwaterhouse wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:58 am
It’s not my deal, but I’ve been told and seen details that confirm it’s about and in process. If it gets over the line, we’ll that’s between the broker, board and the investor/purchaser. Who knows on timeframes, as I’ve said I think the first we will know in the public domain is when it’s announced to an exchange. The business does look like it’s been prepped for a sale for awhile now. It checks out for me.

As someone mentioned, nothing is certain but death and taxes....

I think there’s one or two others on this board who need medical
Intervention before I do. I’ll happily wait in line.
No argument from me.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:22 pm
by Chester Perry
AndyClaret wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:08 pm
The hut group are looking to raise 1.9bn in its IPO.
and Matt Moulding is not selling any shares so is not about to get a cash influx - https://www.ft.com/content/daf0192f-fd4 ... 26d10e53b8 - would not stop a takeover by the group itself and would likely mean our club would have to be more forthcoming publicly on it's finances which would please a fair number on here

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:36 pm
by elwaclaret
Chester Perry wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:22 pm
and Matt Moulding is not selling any shares so is not about to get a cash influx - https://www.ft.com/content/daf0192f-fd4 ... 26d10e53b8 - would not stop a takeover by the group itself and would likely mean our club would have to be more forthcoming publicly on it's finances which would please a fair number on here
Not suggesting any knowledge Chester, but to me it be one way to take the brand into the BIG league, with massive potential for world wide exposure. However, I bow to your fiscal superiority in such matters.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:48 pm
by Bosscat
tim_noone wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 8:38 am
Only 2 guarantees Death and Tax.
you forgot the 3rd guarantee "idiots on here commenting on stuff they don't know about and making garbage up..." 😉

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:50 pm
by Chester Perry
elwaclaret wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:36 pm
Not suggesting any knowledge Chester, but to me it be one way to take the brand into the BIG league, with massive potential for world wide exposure. However, I bow to your fiscal superiority in such matters.
I would never begin to claim any deep fiscal knowledge, with regard to what I post, it is always based on what has been said by respected sources (which I always share) and applying that to the context in question

I know nothing of Moulding or The Hut (they do appear to be a successful operation though)

I wasn't posting any judgement on Daniel either, he has been fantastically consistent with his postings on the Investor subject for a long, long time now, which to my eyes lends credibility to his understanding.

There is no doubt the board needs additional investor support to help maintain our position at the top table, our current financial/structural limitations will see us relegated at some point. Though as I have said a number of times that is much more important to the economic prosperity of the town and I believe the board think that too (even Flood recognised that in that Mail article of his yesterday).

I would add that I never see Burnley as BIG league - the only club of our size that could do that is Crystal Palace as the 2 boroughs (Bromley and Croydon) that surround the club has a population of around 700k to 800k.

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:57 pm
by Father Jack
So what’s the link to Matt Moulding and the Egyptian money that was meant to heading up the investment?

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 1:14 pm
by Chester Perry
Father Jack wrote:
Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:57 pm
So what’s the link to Matt Moulding and the Egyptian money that was meant to heading up the investment?
Nothing I am aware of - he was mentioned as a local person who may be wealthy enough to invest in the club - I have not heard of him so did a quick search on the mention of an IPO for his business. He appears a person with significant assets, would he be interested in buying into the club - I have no idea or information either way

Re: Interesting comments re Dyche in the Mail just now

Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2020 1:35 pm
by Father Jack
Hut Group’s Matthew Moulding is heading for £700m windfall after flotation

Ashley Armstrong, Retail Editor
Thursday August 27 2020, 12.01am, The Times

The Hut Group is expected to pull the trigger today on a £4.5 billion stock market listing that could put the online retailer’s founder in line for one of the largest windfalls in corporate history and promises to create hundreds of British millionaires overnight.

Matthew Moulding, 48, who started the fast-growing company in 2004, will be awarded shares worth about £700 million if the company’s valuation reaches £7.25 billion in the next two years as part of an incentive scheme.

One insider likened the group’s structure to a private equity model that hands 20 per cent of the upside if 20 per cent of growth is achieved. Mr Moulding owns a 20 per cent stake in the business, which is best known for its Myprotein nutrition brand but has grown to include 200 websites including Look Fantastic and Glossy Box.

The Hut Group, which employs about 7,000 people, has developed a reputation for acquisitiveness after buying a plethora of beauty brands, such as Illamasqua and Espa. It owns two hotels and spas in Manchester and has developed THG Ingenuity, a technology licensing business that has contracts with Procter & Gamble, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Nestlé.

Observers said that the technology business was the “next stage of growth” for the company as more consumer goods groups explore ways to sell their products directly to customers.

The Hut will be easily the biggest float of the year and a noticeable test of confidence in new listings since the pandemic began. The Manchester-based business is expected to sell about 20 per cent of its shares, worth between £500 million and £900 million, to institutional investors after receiving significant demand, according to Sky News, which first reported the plans. A spokesman declined to comment.

Other shareholders include KKR, the private equity group that owns 14.4 per cent of the business, and Balderton, Blackrock and Merian, funds groups that are expected to cash in some of their shares in the listing. Mr Moulding will be prevented from raising his stake beyond 25 per cent, but under the proposed plans he will be given a veto right that allows him to block any takeover attempt. Previously he has resisted the idea of a stock market listing, saying last year: “If I do that, I lose control.”

One insider said that the incentive scheme would “not be for everyone”, but that there was a high level of support from quality investors.

About a fifth of The Hut Group’s shares have been awarded to employees, with workers recommended for inclusion in the share scheme by their managers. About 300 staff shared £21 million last year after a rise in sales. Mr Moulding told The Times that his personal assistant had retired aged 36 after the value of her shares jumped.