Shareholders of Celtic PLC: Key Figures and Influence
Celtic Football Club is a publicly traded company and has a diverse ownership structure with several major shareholders who play a pivotal role in the club’s direction and strategy. Understanding the key shareholders and their stakes in Celtic PLC is essential for anyone interested in the governance and future of Glasgow Celtic.
Dermot Desmond: The Largest Shareholder
Dermot Desmond is the largest shareholder of Celtic PLC, holding approximately 34.7% of the shares. Desmond has been a significant figure in Celtic’s history and continues to exert considerable influence over the club’s direction. Despite not holding an official position on the board, his decisions and vision have had a profound impact on the club’s operations and success over the years.
Desmond’s involvement with Celtic dates back to the 1990s and has said in the very few interviews he gives that his stake will remain in his family.
Lindsell Train Limited: A Strategic Investor
Lindsell Train Limited, a UK-based investment firm, is the second-largest shareholder in Celtic PLC, with a stake of approximately 18.6%. This firm is known for its focus on long-term investments in quality companies, and its involvement with Celtic reflects its confidence in the club’s value and growth potential.
Lindsell Train’s investment philosophy aligns with the club’s long-term goals, providing financial stability and support for Celtic’s ambitions both on and off the pitch. Their significant shareholding underscores their commitment to the club’s future, making them a key player in its strategic decisions.
Christopher D Trainer: A Rising Influence
Christopher D Trainer holds about 11.02% of Celtic PLC shares, making him one of the most influential shareholders in the company. Trainer’s stake is notably higher than previously reported, highlighting his growing influence within the club’s ownership structure.
Trainer’s substantial shareholding gives him a considerable say in the club’s affairs. As a significant stakeholder, Trainer’s perspectives and interests are closely watched by other investors.
James Mark Keane: Another Key Shareholder
James Mark Keane holds approximately 6.25% of the shares in Celtic PLC, making him another important shareholder. His stake is higher than earlier estimates, reflecting his strong commitment to the club. Keane’s involvement adds another layer of influence to the shareholder base, contributing to the overall strategic direction and governance of the club.
The Importance of Shareholder Influence at Celtic PLC
The collective influence of these shareholders is significant, as they collectively hold over 70% of Celtic PLC’s shares. This concentration of ownership means that their decisions and priorities play a crucial role in the club’s management and future planning. While Dermot Desmond remains the most prominent figure, the other major shareholders like Lindsell Train Limited, Christopher D Trainer, and James Mark Keane also have a substantial say in the club’s direction.
Shares Held by Ordinary Celtic Fans
Celtic Football Club has a unique ownership structure that includes not only large institutional and private investors but also a significant number of ordinary fans who hold shares in the club. These small shareholders have been longterm backers of the club, who put up money when Celtic raised a share issue in the 90s under Fergus McCann.
As of the most recent data, there are approximately 29,000 individual shareholders who collectively own a substantial portion of Celtic PLC. While each of these shareholders holds a relatively small number of shares individually, their collective ownership represents around 15-20% of the total shares in the club. This aggregated holding is significant. The issue is that they don’t tend to speak as one voice and many shareholders do not actively use their vote. The Celtic Trust, a collection of fans independent of Celtic are striving to connect these shareholders to effect change at the club.
At annual general meetings (AGMs), these shareholders have the right to vote on key issues and participate in discussions that shape the club’s strategy. While they may not have the financial clout of major shareholders like Dermot Desmond if the fans could organise, it would give the top brass much food for thought.
