Revealed: Cheshire millionaire funding Maddie campaign

Sep 22 2007

Millionaire businessman Brian Kennedy tonight confirmed he is providing financial backing to the parents of missing Madeleine McCann.

Mr Kennedy, who owns the Latium Group and rugby union team Sale Sharks, said he felt “compelled” to support Gerry and Kate McCann following the accusations made against them.

He said in a statement: “In light of the quite literally incredible accusations against Gerry and Kate McCann, which are clearly exacerbating their emotional torture, I felt compelled to offer, along with other like-minded businessmen, financial support and the full logistical support of the Latium team.

“That support is principally our in-house lawyer Ed Smethurst and (official spokesman) Clarence Mitchell.

“This will relieve the McCanns of the daily pressure of co-ordinating the legal teams that will expedite the clearing of Gerry and Kate’s names, allowing all parties to refocus on finding Madeleine.”

Cheshire-based Mr Kennedy is estimated to be worth £250 million and made his fortune in double-glazing and home improvement ventures.

His companies have included Weatherseal Holdings, Everest and Space Kitchens & Bedrooms. Earlier this year, St Helens Glass, which his company Latium Group bought in 2001, was closed down by Mr Kennedy. Around 400 people were made redundant.

The Latium Group of companies, which has annual turnover of approximately £400 million, is involved in plastics extrusion, conservatory roof manufacture, glass processing, home improvement retailing and property.

The Edinburgh-born entrepreneur previously owned Stockport County football club through his company Cheshire Sports and bought Sale Sharks in 1999.