Mike Ashley resigns from Rangers retail?

[pete 2,499]

The Fat man's tanks have lost their fear factor, in fact the more tanks he brings to the fray the more enjoyment seeing them blown to smithereens.

 

Even the worst armies sometimes win a battle.

[ian1964 10,596]

Mike Ashley hires top lawyer for Rangers Retail role in fight over merchandising

 

Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct has hit back in the fight over the merchandising arm of Rangers by appointing a new director known as a legal enforcer in branding.

 

Justin Barnes, who has served as international brand manager of Sports Direct International Plc and is known as an expert in intellectual property law, has been appointed to the Rangers Retail board in the wake of Mr Ashley, the billionaire Sports Direct owner, and the firm’s chief executive David Forsey tendered their resignations.

 

Mr Barnes was one of the key people responsible for fashion shop group USC at the time of its when it collapse. Itd was put into pre-pack administration and was subsequently bought back by Sports Direct debt-free.

 

Read more: Mike Ashley admits some Sports Direct staff effectively paid below minimum wage

 

He and was engulfed in the controversy surrounding staff at its South Ayrshire warehouse getting 15 minutes notice over the loss of their jobs.

 

It had been hoped in some circles that the Sports Direct resignations may indicate a loosening of Mr Ashley’s grip over the merchandising joint venture between Sports Direct and Rangers.

 

The election of just one replacement Sports Direct director has put the status of the board in under question, as the terms of association requirethat there are not less than four directors, two representing Sports Direct’s interest and two representing Rangers’.

 

There is so far no indication that a second director is being appointed.

 

Mr Ashley and Mr Forsey are understood to have stood down after attempts were made to convene a board meeting where it was expected challenging questions would be asked about the merchandising deal which means only 4p from every pound spent in the Ibrox store is banked by the Old Firm outfit.

 

It was felt by some fans that it was a “humiliation” as it appeared to be a way to avoid a grilling from Rangers executives Dave King and Paul Murray, who are on the Rangers Retail board.

 

Read more: Mike Ashley's "humiliation" as he steps down from Rangers' retail board

 

The joint venture between Rangers and Sports Direct was confirmed by then chief executive Charles Green in August 2012.

 

It and was promoted as a means for enabling Rangers “to once again control its retail operation and give supporters the chance to buy direct from the club and, in doing so, continue to invest in its future”.

 

But last month the Rangers board, unhappy with their return on the venture, served notice to cancel the merchandising deal with Rangers Retail Limited, controlled by Sports Direct.

 

Read more: Mike Ashley admits "some issues" with working practices at Sports Direct

 

Rangers said it was withdrawing intellectual property rights from Rangers Retail, which had the licences to exploit club-related trademarks and logos.

including the club name, Ibrox and The Gers.

 

Intellectual property experts said that the move looked destined for a courtroom battle.

 

It is understood that no challenge has yet been lodged by Sports Direct, which has a controlling vote on “financial matters” concerning Rangers Retail.

 

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/1...merchandising/

[ian1964 10,596]

Any updates on the dual interest with the English FA?

[BEARGER 1,829]

Ashley has placed Nigel Conway onto the Rangers Retail Board.