What is Murat Ulker’s net worth? Turkey’s richest man linked with Newcastle takeover bid
There are exciting times for Newcastle fans after Mike Ashley put the club up for sale, but the Ulker family have denied interest
TURKEY'S richest man Murat Ulker has been linked with a bid for Newcastle United.
Much-maligned owner Mike Ashley has confirmed he wants out of the club by Christmas and Ulker family sources had been quoted as saying he is interested.
But his company, Yildiz Holdings, later released a statement denying any bid would be made.
Who is Murat Ulker?
Ulker is chairman of Yildiz Holdings, a Turkish-based European food empire that boasts 56,000 members of staff.
Establised by his father and uncle in 1944, the company's Ulker brand of chocolate and confectionery is popular around Europe.
In the UK, Yildiz Holdings own a number of household names such as McVitie’s, Penguins and Jaffa Cakes.
Ulker's roots go back to Alushta, Crimea, from which the family was forced to flee as a result of oppression against Muslims following the Bolshevik Revolution.
What is Murat Ulker's net worth?
Murat Ulker has a net worth of just under £3billion.
That makes him the richest man in Turkey and the world's 501st richest person.
What has Ulker said about a potential Newcastle bid?
Ulker’s family representative Tom McLoughlin said: “The Ulker family have substantial assets and significant investments already in the UK.
“We understand football and our initial specific target would be to make Newcastle a solid top six club and a permanent feature in Europe with a popular local and worldwide following.”
But a later statement from Ulker's Yildiz Holding company read: "The company is not purchasing Newcastle United football club and no discussions about the team have taken place.
"We wish them the best of luck in finding a new owner."
