Exciting times at Scarlets Rugby as the House of Luxury Group (HOL) makes a major move! This Montana-based luxury asset broker is stepping into the world of Welsh rugby, taking over non-rugby operational control and eyeing a 55% stake in the Scarlets. With Kirsti Jane Baker at the helm, a Pontypridd native, the group is diving into a game that’s facing big changes.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is shaking things up, potentially slimming down from four regions to two or three. The Scarlets and Ospreys are holding out on a new funding deal with the WRU, staying on a different financial path than the Dragons and Cardiff, who are securing better funding deals. This makes new investments like HOL’s even more crucial.
So why would HOL be interested in a club with uncertain future prospects? HOL’s Chief Experience Officer, Simon Kozlowski, assures that their focus is firmly on the Scarlets. The Scarlets’ chairman, Simon Muderack, and other board members are ensuring thorough financial checks on HOL, hoping to secure a stable future.
HOL is known for brokering luxury assets globally, boasting significant potential profits. With a turnover of £11.34m last year, the Scarlets posted notable losses. HOL, while not required to publicly disclose financials, claims impressive profits that exceed Scarlets’ annual budget every quarter! Will HOL’s success in the luxury market translate to the rugby field?
There’s still plenty to uncover about this intriguing development. Ms Baker and the Scarlets board are set to meet fans at Parc y Scarlets and build transparency. Could this takeover be the start of a new era for the Scarlets, bringing fresh vitality and financial muscle to the club? The rugby community is buzzing, and all eyes are on what happens next!
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