Latest news with #BaycupLtd
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
SPFL chief quietly returns to former club after bitter boardroom civil war
The dispute put the club on the brink END TO THE FEUD? SPFL chief quietly returns to former club after bitter boardroom civil war Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIVINGSTON have welcomed back Neil Hogarth to their board - despite him being involved in a period of boardroom civil war at the club. Hogarth and fellow shareholder Carolyn Sumner launched a legal challenge to the takeover of the then-Premiership club in 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Livingston were recently taken over by an American investor Credit: SNS John McIlvogue's Baycup Ltd sealed a £400,000 deal to establish control of the West Lothian side in September of that year. But Hogarth lodged a petition with the Court of Session to halt the takeover, raising suspicions over the whereabouts of the six-figure sum. The dispute - which was called "unsustainable" by McIlvogue - even took its toll on manager David Martindale, who was moved to call out 'so-called shareholders' for blocking new investments. In March this year, with another takeover on the horizon, Martindale admitted that he'd be prepared to leave if the new owners wanted him gone. And this month McIlvogue was formally bought out by American philanthropist Calvin Ford - great-great grandson to motoring legend Henry Ford. Ford acquired 100 per cent of McIlvogue's shares in Baycup Ltd, which was the majority shareholder of Livi for two years. McIlvogue said at the time: "When I chose to invest in the football club I did so to be of help whether short, medium or long term. "It has been a great pleasure to support the club through its difficulties and see it bounce back with the first silverware in over a decade and a real fight for Premiership promotion. "I believe the time is now right for me to pass on my shares to an investor with a real appetite to take the club forward on and off the park. "When I joined the club, I said my only aim was that when I leave the club is in a better place than when I arrived, and I believe I have achieved this with Calvin's acquisition of my shareholding." Livingston boss David Martindale opens his heart on life before, during and after prison.. and the managers he admires most Now, just over a week later, Hogarth is back at Almondvale as vice-chairman The club said in a statement: "Livingston Football Club today announce the appointment of our former Director Neil Hogarth to the newly created role of Vice-Chairman. "We welcome Neil back to Livingston FC and look forward to continued success for the club." On the pitch, Livingston are preparing for their Premiership play-off final against Ross County . They host the first leg on Thursday this week and the return leg in Dingwall is on Monday. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
American philanthropist related to Henry Ford announced as chairman and majority shareholder of SPFL club in shock move
HENRY FORD was the founder of one of the most well-known car manufacturers in the world today. And now Ford's great-great-grandson is looking to move an SPFL club into top gear as their new chairman and majority shareholder. 3 3 Calvin Ford is a philanthropist and board member of a number of charities and committees. And now he's taking his first steps into the world of football business with Scottish Championship side Livingston. The second-tier runners-up will present Ford to fans at Almondvale Satdium before the second leg of the promotion play-off semi-final against Partick Thistle tonight. Ford has acquired 100% of John McIlvogue's shares in Baycup Ltd, which was the majority shareholder of Livi for two years. McIlvogue said in a club statement: "When I chose to invest in the football club I did so to be of help whether short, medium or long term. "It has been a great pleasure to support the club through its difficulties and see it bounce back with the first silverware in over a decade and a real fight for Premiership promotion. "I believe the time is now right for me to pass on my shares to an investor with a real appetite to take the club forward on and off the park. "When I joined the club, I said my only aim was that when I leave the club is in a better place than when I arrived, and I believe I have achieved this with Calvin's acquisition of my shareholding. "I look forward to watch the club thrive with Calvin's support and guidance." Ford added: "I am overjoyed and honoured to be part of Livingston Football Club. Radio 1 DJ says 'I've become a legend' as he adopts SPFL team and plans trip to Livingston "What drew me to wanting to be involved was the incredible leadership that people like Davie Martindale and John Ward portray. "They have a passion for this club and community that is contagious, and I look forward to being part of something special here." Outgoing chairman John Ward said: "I am delighted to welcome Calvin to the club. "I feel that for the first time in the history of Livingston Football Club we will have an owner who is working in the best interests of the club and fans. "As a director of Livingston Football Club, I look forward to working with Calvin. "I believe his integrity and enthusiasm for football will bring a sea change to Livingston and the wider West Lothian community."
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford in as Livingston majority shareholder & chair
Calvin Ford has become Livingston's majority shareholder and taken on the role of club chairman. The great-great-grandson of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford has acquired all of John McIlvogue's shares in Baycup Ltd, who have held a controlling interest in Livi for around two years. McIlvogue said he believed "the time is now right" to pass on his shares. John Ward, who is vacating the chairmanship, will continue as a director said Ford "will bring a sea change to Livingston and the wider West Lothian community". Ford is a director of CATCH Charity and Henry Ford Health System, chairman of the Detroit Crime Commission and vice-president of sales and marketing for Pentastar Aviation. "What drew me to wanting to be involved with LFC was the incredible leadership that people like [manager] Davie Martindale and John Ward portray," said Ford. "They have a passion for this club and community that is contagious, and I look forward to being part of something special here". Watch: Scottish Premiership play-off - Livingston v Partick Thistle (agg 2-0)
The National
16-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Great-great-grandson of Henry Ford named Livingston chairman
Calvin Ford has acquired 100 per cent of John McIlvogue's shares in Baycup Ltd, which has held a significant shareholding in the club since the start of the 2023/24 season. Ford, is now the majority shareholder at the West Lothian club and will act as the chairman as John Ward leaves his post in the boardroom. The new Livingston chairman works as vice president of sales and marketing for Pentastar Aviation, a private aircraft management operation based outside of Detroit. Founder and former owner of Baycup Ltd, McIlvogue said: 'When I chose to invest in the football club I did so to be of help whether short, medium or long term. It has been a great pleasure to support the club through its difficulties and see it bounce back with the first silverware in over a decade and a real fight for Premiership promotion. I believe the time is now right for me to pass on my shares to an investor with a real appetite to take the club forward on and off the park. 'When I joined the club, I said my only aim was that when I leave the club is in a better place than when I arrived. I believe I have achieved this with Calvin's acquisition of my shareholding. 'I'd like to say a huge thank you to all the supporters and staff of Livingston FC, a special mention to the staff who's work behind the scenes goes largely unnoticed, their hard work and passion for Livingston Football Club is nothing short of incredible. I look forward to watch the club thrive with Calvin's support and guidance'. New chairman & majority shareholder Ford said, 'I am overjoyed and honoured to be part of Livingston Football Club. What drew me to wanting to be involved with LFC was the incredible leadership that people like Davie Martindale and John Ward portray. They have a passion for this Club and community that is contagious, and I look forward to being part of something special here'. Outgoing chairman, Ward said: 'I am delighted to welcome Calvin to the club. I feel that for the first time in the history of Livingston Football Club we will have an owner who is working in the best interests of the club and fans. 'As a Director of Livingston Football Club, I look forward to working with Calvin. I believe his integrity and enthusiasm for football will bring a sea change to Livingston and the wider West Lothian community'.
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Great-great-grandson of Henry Ford named Livingston chairman
Ford, is now the majority shareholder at the West Lothian club and will act as the chairman as John Ward leaves his post in the boardroom. The new Livingston chairman works as vice president of sales and marketing for Pentastar Aviation, a private aircraft management operation based outside of Detroit. Founder and former owner of Baycup Ltd, McIlvogue said: 'When I chose to invest in the football club I did so to be of help whether short, medium or long term. It has been a great pleasure to support the club through its difficulties and see it bounce back with the first silverware in over a decade and a real fight for Premiership promotion. I believe the time is now right for me to pass on my shares to an investor with a real appetite to take the club forward on and off the park. 'When I joined the club, I said my only aim was that when I leave the club is in a better place than when I arrived. I believe I have achieved this with Calvin's acquisition of my shareholding. 'I'd like to say a huge thank you to all the supporters and staff of Livingston FC, a special mention to the staff who's work behind the scenes goes largely unnoticed, their hard work and passion for Livingston Football Club is nothing short of incredible. I look forward to watch the club thrive with Calvin's support and guidance'. New chairman & majority shareholder Ford said, 'I am overjoyed and honoured to be part of Livingston Football Club. What drew me to wanting to be involved with LFC was the incredible leadership that people like Davie Martindale and John Ward portray. They have a passion for this Club and community that is contagious, and I look forward to being part of something special here'. Outgoing chairman, Ward said: 'I am delighted to welcome Calvin to the club. I feel that for the first time in the history of Livingston Football Club we will have an owner who is working in the best interests of the club and fans. 'As a Director of Livingston Football Club, I look forward to working with Calvin. I believe his integrity and enthusiasm for football will bring a sea change to Livingston and the wider West Lothian community'.
