WH Ireland confirms Kuwaiti investors looking to buy stake

WH Ireland confirmed on Monday that Kuwaiti European Holdings Group (KEH) is looking to acquire a shareholding in the company.

It said further announcements will be made in due course.

The very brief statement from the stockbroker came in response to a Sky News report on Saturday suggesting that KEH was close to announcing an agreement to buy nearly 30% of the group’s shares.

Sky said the Kuwaitis were said to be purchasing the shares from a collection of high-profile investors, including Lord Marland, a former Conservative Party treasurer, and Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton Football Club.

KEH is spearheading a project to build Paramount Park, a major new tourist attraction in Kent, and already owns Ebbsfleet United, a football club based in the county.

WH Ireland shares were up 12.5% to 113.60p.