RE: Peace in Sea Eagles boardroom may rest on independent chair
I would never sell, says defiant Penn
Rugby League
12 Jun 12 @ 12:35am by Jon Geddes
SEA Eagles chairman Scott Penn says he has no interest in selling his share of the club to co-owners Quantum.
Penn made the announcement after Quantum boss and fellow board member Phil Sidney said he was prepared to buy out Penn’s stake in the club after a vote of no-confidence was passed on Penn as chairman last Wednesday.
Penn Sport owns just over 50 per cent of the Sea Eagles and has three of the seven board seats, while Quantum owns 37 per cent (two seats) and the district club the rest.
“We are not necessarily seeking control, we are seeking fair representation at board level based on our shareholding,†Penn said.
Asked if he would consider selling to Quantum, Penn replied: “Absolutely not. We have always been in this to support the team, we are copping a bad wrap because the other parties are looking at some sort of power play.â€
Board member Bob Reilly yesterday broke his silence to speak to The Manly Daily on behalf of the Manly district club he represents and declared the district club doesn’t want the Penns to walk away from Manly.
“We appreciate the Penns’ support within the organisation as well as that of Quantum,†said Reilly, who is also chairman of the district club.
“And we would like any bid for control of Sea Eagles stopped.â€
Reilly said the district club wants to see more owners involved, not less.
And he would like to see Anthony Johnston from club sponsor URM involved after they expressed an interest in buying in last year.
Reilly said the two board spots held by the district club are protected by the company deed.
“And we don’t have to own any shares for those two board spots to be in place,†Reilly said.
“That was part of the deal when the Penns bought in and we have no interest in changing that.â€
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/i-would-never-sell-says-defiant-penn/