The only mention of the amount invested by the Chinese appeared in the Mail on Sunday in an article written by an eminent football journalist/writer, Ian Herbert, who reported it was thought to be in the region of £6 million. Whatever may be the accuracy of the figure in the Mail no money "invested" went to Ventures but Thomas announced to the world that the Chinese had acquired a 60% holding in the company. This was followed by Bower resigning from the Board of Ventures and the Chinese appointed 2 directors. With Thomas remaining on the Board the Chinese had a 2:1 majority at board level. The board changes were the only filings made at Companies House and appear to be deficient. I think it can be stated with confidence that a transaction took place and it would follow from this that money changed hands. If that is so the money did not go into Ventures in return for new shares issued to the Chinese. So, where did it go and to who? It could only have gone to Fantastical Ltd (Bower's English corporate vehicle holding 65% of Ventures shares , Thomas (22.5%) and Bower (12.5%) personally.
Consider this against the situation facing us at our club on and off the pitch.
The murky world of shell companies and holding companies!
Ventures, Fantastical, Belle De Jour, County Developments (Northampton) Ltd.....not one mention of Northampton Town Football Club.
It was also stated that Kelvin and David ‘bought’ the 60% shareholding back....again implying that money changed hands. Try and find a sign of it in any accounts though!