He built it up from a single shop in Maidenhead, Berkshire, into one of the nation's most successful. Mike Ashley has three children - two daughters and one son - with ex-wife Linda. The group has also struck a deal with beauty company Double Take run by Mr Ashley's youngest daughter Matilda, 20, which could bag her millions. Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has a person fortune topping 2.4billion Thirty years ago he was a squash coach who worked in a sports shop Ashley is said to have recently rekindled his. Visit Website. Matilda is Ashley's youngest daughter. However, there is a limit to his frugality: Mr Ashley has a helicopter to fly between his mansion and the office. [39], After the club's relegation, Ashley struggled to find a buyer capable of providing proof of funds to purchase Newcastle United throughout August and September 2009, local businessman Barry Moat was reported to have opened negotiation talks with Ashley. Much like Petra and Tamara Ecclestone, the cosseted daughters of Formula 1 boss Bernie, the Ashleys children, Anna, Matilda and Ollie, lead a life others could only dream of. Visit your local Champs Sports at 15555 East 14th Street in San Leandro, California to get your head-to-toe hook up on the latest shoes and clothing from Jordan, Nike, adidas, and more. The parents who fear their 11-year-olds will be scarred for life by the graphic sex education lessons that Two Insulate Britain protesters are jailed for contempt of court after they defied a judge's orders not to 'Derek fights on, it makes me fall in love with him all over again:' Kate Garraway reveals there are days French authorities fear 'narco-tourists' could flock to Normandy beaches after 'more than two tonnes of Hopes for cervical cancer vaccine after trials in mice showed it reduced tumours 80 per cent of the time. Financial documents for the year to April 2020 made available in recent days reveal that Double Take owes more than 1.6million to Mash Holdings. Ashley is the owner of Newcastle United, a Premier League soccer team. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. Project Mondo G is a Mercedes G-Wagen in a puffer jacket, New Honda's Civic: family car with rebellious bad boy in its line-up, Advert for the 1998 first generation of the Audi TT, Ford scrapping 1,300 jobs in UK amid European overhaul. That is what I am now trying to do. [42] The club released future plans in the same statement, announcing the club would attempt to sell the club's stadium naming rights to raise funds to clear debts of the club, causing outrage among Newcastle fans across the world who felt the club would lose tremendous heritage with the name of St James' Park changed. Clive Lewis MP, Labours shadow business secretary, said: It is not surprising that Sports Directs profits have taken a hit given the revelations that employees have been paid less than the minimum wage for years, made to work in Victorian conditions, and the collapse of corporate governance structures that followed. A friend said when they began dating again: 'Mike never wanted to lose Linda in the first place. Our people have once again found themselves in the spotlight through no fault of their own, yet they remain hard working and loyal. [46][47] Alan Pardew was appointed three days later, before his first game in charge against Liverpool. Witch, Harridan, Harpy, and new insults like Karen and Terf. Published: 16:51 EDT, 24 July 2021 | Updated: 10:11 EDT, 25 July 2021 . They now live in a multimillion pound mansion in London's posh Belgravia. Mrs Ashley has a lavish seven-bedroom house and two properties for staff boasting a further four bedrooms. But in 2014 Mrs and Mrs Ashley were seen stepping into his Bentley after a series of central London dates, including a key dinner in a local curry house. The most opulent is a 9.7 million clifftop villa in the swanky resort of Port dAndratx, Majorca, frequented by celebrities with superyachts and off-duty oligarchs. Derbyshire based group Sports Direct International Plc, with headquarters in Shirebrook, has over 400 UK stores including the chains Sports World, Lillywhites (acquired in 2002) and Gilesports. [52], Ten months later, and with the departure of McClaren and the arrival of Rafael Bentez, Ashley gave another interview. By On 6 December, Newcastle United sacked manager Chris Hughton, in a controversial move that proved to be unpopular with many fans of the club,[45] and led to Ashley being personally criticised for the decision. The sports retailer, reeling from a year-long scandal over working practices, said underlying profit before tax slumped to 71.6m from 166.4m in the six months to 23 October. The company already has its own helicopter, a fleet of vehicles and also owns an inn in Worksop. Mikes come a long way from his humble beginnings in the Buckinghamshire village of Burnham. Mr Ashley's Frasers Group said it would buy 46 leisure clubs and 31 retail outlets from DW Sports Fitness for 37m to merge with its own business. In August, Sports Direct was found to be paying hundreds of thousands of pounds to a company run by Ashley's brother for making international deliveries on behalf of the retailer. Her billionaire father also clearly has a soft spot for her partner, and has taken the role of indulgent 'father-in-law' to a new level, by giving Murray a key consultancy role on a new 250 million property arm within his sportswear empire. What is his net worth? [72], In 1988 aged 24, he married Linda Jerlmyr, a Swedish-born economics graduate, and the couple have three children. John Ashley received an annual 150,000 salary . Of course, going out with the boss's daughter is a tried-and-tested route to career advancement. House number two, boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a pool. But her then husband continued to drive his well-worn Vauxhall Cavalier, but thisdidn't last forever, however, because Mr Ashley traded it in for a new Ford Sierra a few years later. Ricky's Sports Theatre and Grill owner Ricky Ricardo, who knew late Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, walks around his bar in San Leandro, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011. Earlier this year the Mail reported the company of which she is director, Century Design and Build, is in liquidation after a High Court order to wind it up. According to reports, Matilda is also the proud owner of a top-of-the-range 130,000 horsebox, complete with DVD player, to transport horses she rides at a 800-a-month livery stables in. [32], As the transfer window closed at midnight on 2 September, rumours started to appear in the press stating that Keegan was extremely unhappy with Director of Football Dennis Wise's interference in team matters. He now lives with Miss Ashley in a flat in Chelsea, just a stones throw from Harrods and not far from where Mr Ashley made a 200m investment in John Lewiss former Peter Jones warehouse. Since Sports Direct International Plc went public, and his purchase of Newcastle United where he took to sitting in the stands with fans, Ashley took on a more public and accessible persona. Ashley is the 59th richest person in Britain, and has an estimated fortune of 2.995billion, according to The Sunday Times Rich List. "The board consider it appropriate that Michael leads us forward on this increasingly successful elevation journey.". Mr Ashley's wife and children have the run of the family's private property portfolio, including a seven-bedroom mansion in North London. On 28 December, Ashley announced that the club was no longer up for sale, after he had failed to find an acceptable buyer. Shearer however was unable to achieve more than 5 points from the 8 games he was in charge, and on 24 May, the Magpies were relegated to the Championship. Lindas company, Current Design and Build, went into liquidation last year leaving her with even more time for swish shopping sprees. 'I haven't ever seen his wife and I've never seen him in person but I know his helicopter.'. How remorseless Stephen Bear continued his arrogant antics up until Martin Robinson, Uk Chief Reporter For Mailonline, Do not sell or share my personal information. 21:51 GMT 24 Jul 2021 He added: I begin to question whether this intense scrutiny is all ethically motivated.. Last week, Sports Direct bowed to growing pressure over its employment practices and announced it would increase the pay of thousands of staff on the minimum wage by 15p an hour. The company has suspended its planned share buyback until further notice. Even the Ashleys animals get the luxury treatment. Will spray foam insulation make your property hard to sell or mortgage? Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Ken Bruce finishes his 30-year tenure as host of BBC Radio 2, Moment teenager crashes into back of lorry after 100mph police race, Alex Murdaugh unanimously found GUILTY of murder of wife and son, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Family of a 10-month-old baby filmed vaping open up, Ukrainian soldier takes out five tanks with Javelin missiles. If that wasnt enough, Linda also owns a lakeside home near Stockholm in Sweden. Profits at Mike Ashleys Sports Direct fell by 57% in the first half of the year after pounds collapse following the Brexit vote. For most of the working week, he's at the company's unglamorous nerve-centre in Shirebrook. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Mr Ashley started Sports Direct 34 years ago with a 10,000 loan from his parents. Sports Direct has launched branded activewear ranges that include collaborations with influencers Gabby Allen a former star of TV reality show Love Island and Chessie King. As a sole trader and not having to file accounts at Companies House, little was known about him. [68] In June 2019, The Times reported that Ashley placed a 52 million bid to buy the company. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. But Linda, a glamorous property developer and interior designer, is certainly making the most of her husbands bulging wallet. Mike owns two deluxe chalets in the Swiss resort of Verbier dubbed the worlds most exclusive ski resort, with regulars including Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice as well as a 32 million mansion in Miami. The neighbourhood wasnt bad: David and Victoria Beckham owned one of the nearby estates. Ashley subsequently "received words of advice" from the police during the game. It is an extraordinary turnaround for Mr Ashley, 51, who was said to have been heartbroken after the 2002 split with his wife of 14 years. Ashley said: The last six months have been tough for our people and performance. EXCLUSIVE: Head teacher of leading grammar school is sacked for sending parents a list of striking teachers. Sports Direct declined to clarify how it would measure the value added, but Murray could earn millions of pounds if it uses the profits it banks from property every year. The profit slump has hit shares hard, with shares down over 7% at close to 10.20 a.m. GMT (5.20 a.m. This, too, was conveniently (if a little bizarrely) located on the same road as the family home and Mikes pad in leafy North London, where neighbours include Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and members of boyband One Direction. However, Murrays consultancy, MM Prop Consultancy Limited, was only set up on 17 December and is registered to the same address as Ashleys business interests. This is not the first deal to involve members of Ashleys family. But as the retail tycoon prepares to hand over the reins to his daughter's fiance Michael Murray, here is what we know about him and Anna. Matilda, Anna and Oliver, from 1998 to 2003. Murray previously ran student nights in Reading, Berkshire with a friend. They did, however, state that they would be reviewing the film closely. Thomas ColsonSports Direct founder Mike Ashley outside his Shirebrook warehouseLONDON - Sports Direct is buying a 40 million corporate plane and doing a makeup While he toils away in Shirebrook, his adult children Ollie, 25, Anna, 24, and Matilda, 19, and ex-wife, enjoy a more extravagant existence. Sporting a mahogany tan and freshly cut bouffant blonde hair, she wore diamond jewellery and showed off toned legs in a short white dress and laced ankle boots. She said: Any transfer of wealth from a listed company to a controlling shareholder through related party vehicles have the potential to be detrimental to minority shareholders. The budget sportswear retailer has also struck a licensing deal with makeup brand SPORT FX, which is owned by a company where Matilda Ashley is a director. His family enjoys all the trappings of his vast wealth, and it appears he may be an old romantic too because he has always 'adored' his ex-wife. SportFX makes products which it says are designed to withstand the rigours of busy and varied lifestyles, promising 'whether you're bossing it at work, in the gym or on the dancefloor, we have you covered'. ", "Rich List 2019: profiles 53-100, featuring Mike Ashley and Bernie Ecclestone", "Mike Ashley to step down as chief of Sports Direct owner Frasers Group", "Mike Ashley, the maverick who changed face of UK sports retail", "Sports World International sales climb 45pc and knock JJB off top spot", "The Times UK News, World News and Opinion", "MPDClick: Kangol sold to sports empire (UK)". In June he told a Parliamentary select committee that some of his workers were effectively paid less than the minimum wage because they were held back and searched after their shifts. Mike pumped cash into Oliver's debt-ridden radio business in 2016 while paying his Sports Direct workers less than the minimum wage. Hellawell questioned whether this "intense scrutiny is all ethically motivated," saying: "The Board accepts responsibility for our shortcomings, but there has also been disproportionate, inaccurate and misleading commentary.". joining the board as a non-executive director and joining the company's audit committee. Inside the oh so bling world of the Sports Direct tycoon and his family 2016-11-12 - by Sarah Rainey ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ALUN PALMER. He's happy, she's happy, and to the amazement of people who know them, Mike and Linda are now getting back together.'. [68], In February 2020, Ashley bought a 12.5 per cent stake in Mulberry, said by a business journalist for The Times to be worth around 19 million. Its become custom for top-performing Sports Direct staff to be rewarded with a stay at the bosss chalets, complete with private chef, and Mike, a keen skier, likes to go along, too. Having studied at a trendy London music school, Mikes son, Ollie, 26, works as a DJ, by the name of DJ Exotica. In addition, Murray's former home in Chelsea is now owned by Matilda Ashley, the tycoon's youngest daughter, who paid 5.1m for the property in September. Friends say Ashley adores her and always has. Billionaire Ashley said he would continue to financially back SportFX for the 'foreseeable future'. What is his net worth? Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. His own son, Ollie, is said to have done a short stint of work at Sports Direct. Linda has always been stylish the couples wedding in Gothenburg was a sophisticated affair but as her husbands bank balance has risen, she has developed a taste for expensive designer clothes. He is once said to have lost 1 million at Aspers Casino in Newcastle. It is not clear from whom she bought the property, but her sister Anna and Murray lived there last year. In August, Sports Direct was found. Just a couple of days later, the company made a U-turn on this decision, announcing that they would be closing until given the green light to reopen by the government. ", Sports Direct says in Thursday's update that the deal was done "under market terms and makes good commercial sense.". Murray is a director at Mash Services, a new vehicle linked to Ashleys main company Mash Holdings, as well as McGrove Developments, Ashleys new property group, and Strawberry Place Newcastle Limited, which owns land next to Newcastle Uniteds football stadium and plans to develop offices, student homes and a hotel. Matilda is the daughter of Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley. Mr Ashley started Sports Direct 34 years ago with a 10,000 loan from his parents. His eldest daughter Anna is married to Michael Murray, who has an influential role at Ashley's Sports Direct to House of Fraser retail empire. Matilda launched her Double Take firm in 2015. Nationwide hikes cost of home loans just weeks after cutting Thrills without frills: New five-seater MG5 EV all-electric estate designed with 'keep it simple' maxim in mind, SMALL CAP MOVERS: Baron Oil falls despite upbeat report; Accrol surges after kitchen towels deal with Unilever. Mom who lost both sons to fentanyl blasts laughing Biden, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' In winter, the Ashleys are spoilt for choice. ET): Security is so tight the fortress can only be seen from the sea. Previous gigs include playing for Saudi royalty in Dubai, and in 2014 he set up an internet radio station, called Radar Radio. Witch, Harridan, Harpy, and new insults like Karen and Terf. Mr Murray also hosted his first music festival last July with his business partner and friend from university, Toby Mullins. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 'Mike Ashley is only 51 and will have no desire to step down for a long time,' said one City insider. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Sports Direct's senior executives live locally in a cluster of houses, worth around 400,000 each. He has amassed an enormous retail . He has amassed an enormous retail . Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at forex and spread-betting firm ETX Capital, said: The company is blaming everyone else and its true that negative PR of this scale is very hard to shake. Its parked at a stables in Radlett, Hertfordshire, where insiders say Matilda or, more likely, her dad pays between 800 and 900 a month for her horse to be mucked out. The first major brand he bought was Donnay. Are investors underestimating the impact of rate rises? Mr Justice Leggatt ruled that no-one would have thought that what Ashley said was serious. Find a location > All Champs Sports Stores > California > San Leandro > Champs Sports 'Our story is one of hope': Conjoined twins who made history as first EVER pair survive to separation As Charles Bronson faces a parole hearing on Monday Will Britain's most violent prisoner soon be painting Is this Britain's most despicable man? Though the offices are based at a Grade II-listed building in Burnham, Matilda lives in Chelsea in a 5.1 million mews house that appears to be being renovated. Both properties are in Linda's name, as is a cliff-top home in Majorca. Oscar Cainer tells all. As they rekindle their relationship (they were spotted back together in 2011), the Ashleys have downsized: Linda sold the old family home and put her other house on the market last year. Founder Mike Ashley says past six months have been tough but retailer spends 40m on corporate jet. Mike is also a keen gambler. Last year, bankrolled by her father, she set up cosmetics firm Sport FX. . His remuneration is based solely on creating value, with the companys non-executive directors overseeing an independent review annually and deciding, in their absolute discretion, how much of any increased value (up to a maximum of 25 per cent) shall be paid to Michael.. Elder daughter Anna lives with boyfriend Michael Murray, who runs the property arm of the Sports Direct empire. Mom who lost both sons to fentanyl blasts laughing Biden, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' Designed to look like a seagulls wing from the air, the villa has seven bedrooms, an infinity pool, tennis courts and an amphitheatre overlooking the ocean. Corporate governance watchdogs criticised Sports Direct, the sporting retailer controlled by Ashley, after the retailer revealed that Michael Murray would lead its UK and international property team. [23], Ashley turned whistleblower on industry rivals in 2000, handing the Office of Fair Trading evidence of business meetings held by sports retailers to fix the price of football shirts. At the start of each working week, Mike hops in his helicopter a navy AgustaWestland AW109 worth 5 million and flies to the Sports Direct HQ in Derbyshire. Mike Ashley has three children - two daughters and one son - with ex-wife Linda. The Financial Reporting Council said it had discussed certain issues with the company following its review of the 2015 annual report and accounts. How to choose the best (and cheapest) DIY investing platform and stocks and shares Isa, > Compare the best investing platform for you. Since then the company has been forced to pay 1m in back pay to staff and offer more staff guaranteed working hours. In that time, he and Linda who wed in her native Sweden in 1989 have been married for 14 years, separated for 14 more and are now said to have rekindled their relationship. On 31 January 2010, the BBC North East and Cumbria produced a 30-minute documentary detailing Mike Ashley's business successes and lows. [28] 100% acquisition was achieved in July with Ashley paying a total of around 134million to buy the club. 'Our story is one of hope': Conjoined twins who made history as first EVER pair survive to separation As Charles Bronson faces a parole hearing on Monday Will Britain's most violent prisoner soon be painting Is this Britain's most despicable man? Matilda is the daughter of Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley. As part of the original flotation agreement, each key senior management team would receive the same bonus and pay while employed by Sports Direct. [59], On 7 October 2021, Mike Ashley sold Newcastle United for 300 million to a consortium involving PCP Capital Partners, RB Sports & Media, and Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Under this measure, Murray could collect up to 2.58m in remuneration. When the daily grind gets too much, the Ashleys have not one but four Spanish hideaways in which to sip sangria. Plastic surgeon reveals five cosmetic procedures she would NEVER get - from dangerous Brazilian butt lifts BEL MOONEY:Why does caring for my dad take over my life? The couple previously lived in a nearby three-storey mews house, which was bought by Mr Ashleys youngest daughter, Matilda, for 5.1m four months ago. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more. The retailers staff, he said, were increasingly upset and angry at the barrage of detrimental comments about the company which in their view is unjustified. In addition, Murrays former home in Chelsea is now owned by Matilda Ashley, the tycoons youngest daughter, who paid 5.1m for the property in September. A member of staff revealed: The finest champagne, wine and food are being delivered. A former friend says Linda would have a big party for her birthday every year. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Sports Direct's governance has come under scrutiny from MPs with Mike Ashley admitting the company has become too big for him to control solely. Inside Matt Hancock's 41-hour battle to save his career when photo of 'a snog and heavy petting' with aide Will Vladimir Putin's empress pay the ultimate price for his war on the West? The FRC said that Sports Direct had agreed to include more detailed commentary in future reports, and considered the matter "concluded.". He said at the time: 'I'm a dad who can't take his kids to a football game on a Saturday because I'm advised we would be assaulted. Mr Murray is also a director of Strawberry Place Newcastle Limited, which is a property business associated with Mr Ashleys Newcastle United. The house appears to be on the market at the moment - and some newspapers have suggested that Mr and Mrs Ashley could marry again. Investors look to high quality disclosures to reassure themselves about the nature and extent of such transactions. Constance Marten seen leaving court after appearing before magistrates charged with manslaughter of baby, Constance Marten and Mark Gordon blow each other a kiss in dock before court hears dead baby was found in bag in shed, Mum identified after dead baby is found on Canford Heath, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). The report, released on Thursday, says that the firm will take delivery of a $51.1 million (40.25 million) corporate plane within weeks. Matilda launched her Double Take firm in 2015. If I get married again, I'll marry here. The companys non-executive directors will oversee an independent review every year to decide with their absolute discretion how much he should be paid. Mike prides himself in shunning Armani suits for cheap High Street tracksuits and carries his mobile phone in a plastic bag. The company said in an announcement to the stock exchange: "The group's elevation strategy is transforming the business and receiving positive feedback from consumers and our brand partners, especially on projects such as the new Oxford Street Sports Direct which opened in June 2021. They had split up and then they got back together some years ago. For a period he was unable to take his family to matches for fear of abuse. He stated that he regretted buying Newcastle United, but admitted that he was "wedded" to the club. A. Poor working practices, which include the widespread use of zero hours contracts, have also been attacked by politicians and unions, leading to the announcement of a 15p-an-hour pay rise last week. [41] A Newcastle statement confirmed, "Mike Ashley is totally committed to the future success of Newcastle United and will be focused on gaining promotion back to the Premier League. His eldest, Anna, is a property developer who also sits on the board of her dad's company Frasers Group - parent of Sports Direct, House of Fraser, Flannels, and other retail brands. This does not affect our editorial independence. [10], At present[when?] (Despite this, he has taken on the role of CEO since making those comments.) She spent another 2 million buying the cottage next door, which acts as a gatehouse to the property, now worth 20 million. But it has come under mounting criticism from unions, politicians and shareholders. We do not write articles to promote products. How Prince Harry's chat with guru who compared Hamas terrorists to Jews who battled the Nazis has appalled JAN MOIR: Goodbye Ken, the world always seemed safer with you on the airwaves, Abstaining from masturbating RAISES risk of anxiety, depression and erectile dysfunction, study warns. She is also a director of a string of companies under the Current Design name, which are listed as liquidated or dissolved at Companies House. As well as indulging Ashley's love of football, the couple are known for spending their spare time hosting lavish parties, and Mike is also a keen gambler. On 2 October 2009, a Premier League arbitration panel found the club guilty of "constructive dismissal" and Mike Ashley was made to pay Kevin Keegan 2,000,000 compensation plus interest for his mistreatment during the time at the club. [26] On 7 June, it was confirmed that chairman Freddy Shepherd had agreed to sell his 28% share to Ashley, which left Ashley free to take control of the club. She is engaged to Michael Murray after reportedly meeting him on holiday in Majorca in 2011. His daughter's fiance is preparing to step into his shoes and become chief executive. This could lead to Mr Murray becoming a multimillionaire, if he is successful. An apparent anomaly with the fans was Ashley choosing 'Smith 17' as the number of his shirt, after a squad player Alan Smith he admired and 17 being a lucky number for him.