Quinlan group in battle for control of Wentworth Club

The Irish investors who own London's Savoy Group have stepped into the battle for control of prestigious Surrey golf facility the Wentworth Club.

The investors, who already own a stake in the club, have exercised a special shareholder right that would allow them to match or trump existing offers.

The highest offer on the table until the latest move was made last week by Fermanagh businessman Mr Seán Quinn. Mr Quinn, who posted offer documents to Wentworth shareholders last weekend, has said he will pay £102 million (€150 million) in cash for the club.

This beats an offer of £100 million from UK retail entrepreneur Mr Richard Caring who has also sent his offer to Wentworth shareholders. His offer has been recommended by Wentworth's 60 per cent shareholder, Chelsfield.

The intentions of the Savoy investors in the bid process remains unclear, but they are known to be anxious to generate as much value as possible from their investment.

The investors, who are led by Mr Derek Quinlan, acquired a shareholding in Wentworth when they bought the Savoy Group earlier this year.

They form part of a group of 26 "A" shareholders who control 40 per cent of Wentworth.

This group, which also includes former newspaper magnate Mr Eddy Shah has stronger shareholder rights than Chelsfield because its members provided the funds to allow Wentworth to be taken over in the late 1980s.

A source close to Quinlan Private, Mr Quinlan's investment company, said the firm would do what it could to "maximise" the value the Savoy investors could draw from the sale of Wentworth.

It is possible Quinlan is simply exercising its rights to pre-empt other offers so it can make its presence felt as other bids are considered.

The offer process has been complicated to date, with another Wentworth shareholder, Mr Surinder Arora, also reported to have exercised his pre-emption rights.