Winding-Up Petition Takeover Bid by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson & Ray Winstone

In the world of English football, an intriguing takeover bid involving Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Ray Winstone has been making headlines. Known for his remarkable career in wrestling and Hollywood, Dwayne Johnson’s involvement in this bid could bring a new dimension to the sport. Meanwhile, Ray Winstone, the renowned actor, is expected to join the club’s board if the bid is accepted. This article delves into the details of this takeover bid, its potential implications, and the HMRC winding-up petition that has recently affected the club.

Amidst the excitement surrounding this potential takeover, it is crucial to understand the context of the club’s current situation. Southend United FC, a National League football team, has been facing financial challenges and recently narrowly avoided liquidation after settling a significant £2 million HMRC tax bill. However, a subsequent further HMRC winding-up petition has been issued, necessitating the resolution of a £275,000 payment by July 12. Failure to meet this deadline would result in the club seeking assistance from external parties to settle the outstanding bill or being wound up by order of the Companies Court in London.

Southend’s Record of over 30 Winding-up Petitions

Southend United Football Club Limited has a remarkable history of insolvency actions against it: Since 2010, the club has faced 30 winding-up petitions, 2 administration applications and 1 foreign winding-up. The current open and pending petition was issued by HMRC and is case number CR-2023-001756 where Southend are listed on the Court Record as a litigant in person which is exceptionally unwise – legal representatives should always be appointed to oppose and deal with the complexities of the court and petition process.

The Takeover Bid Parties

One of the interested parties involved in the takeover bid is Kristofer Tremaine, a bidder for Southend United and CEO of Kimura Capital. Tremaine, along with Simon Jackson, the chief financial officer, is leading the bid to purchase the club from its current owner, Ron Martin. Interestingly, the bid also includes the potential involvement of well-know British actor Ray Winstone, who co-founded Integral Sports Management with Gary Pettit in 2019. Tremaine’s association with Winstone’s agency has opened up possibilities for the actor’s role on the club’s board, should the bid be successful.

SUFC: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson & Ray Winstone

As the takeover bid gains momentum, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s name has emerged in discussions. Johnson, a global icon known for his starring roles in blockbuster movies and his illustrious wrestling career in the WWE, could bring his influence and resources to the English football club. It is worth noting that Johnson’s production company, Seven Bucks Production, has been approached by Kimura Capital regarding this potential partnership. The involvement of Johnson and Winstone could generate considerable public attention and support for the club, possibly helping to revitalise its prospects (as happened with Wrexham AFC and Ryan Reynolds).

Winding-Up Petition Implications

The winding-up petition faced by Southend United adds a layer of urgency to the ongoing takeover discussions. Ron Martin, the club’s majority owner for the past 25 years, decided to sell the club in March. However, the HMRC winding-up petition has increased the pressure to find a resolution promptly. With a deadline of July 12 looming, it is vital for Southend United to either secure the necessary funds or find a suitable party to settle the outstanding amount. The potential takeover bid involving Johnson, Winstone, and Kimura Capital presents an opportunity for the club to navigate through this challenging situation.

Conclusion and Resolving the Petition Debt:

The potential involvement of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Ray Winstone in a takeover bid for Southend United has captivated the attention of football enthusiasts. As discussions progress, the HMRC winding-up petition faced by the club adds an element of urgency to the situation. The bid, spearheaded by Kimura Capital and its CEO Kristofer Tremaine, offers a glimmer of hope for the club’s future. The collaboration with Johnson, if realised, could bring significant resources and attention to the English football club. However for any deal to come to fruition there is no doubt that the Club and the acquirers will need to grapple with and resolve the unpaid taxes owed to HMRC and any sums owed to any supporting creditors or face the winding-up petition consequences.