London - Red and White Holdings Limited, the company part- owned by the Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, increased their shareholding in Arsenal to over 25 per cent on Monday.

Red and White said the increase in their shareholding was "in line with Red and White's previously stated intention to secure a significant shareholding in Arsenal and ensure that its position is protected".

Usmanov co-owns Red and White with Farhad Moshiri, a London-based investor.

"We are pleased to have now secured over a quarter of the shares of Arsenal," the statement went on.

"We are committed long-term investors and supporters of the club and are comfortable that we are now in a protected position.

"We also welcome the strengthening of the squad and look forward to a successful conclusion to the season."

Should the holding reach 30 per cent, Red And White would be compelled by stock-market rules to launch a formal takeover.

Red and White was formed in August 2007 when former Arsenal vice- chairman David Dein sold his 14.5 per cent stake in the club.

Usmanov increased his holding to 23 per cent two months later, and then to just over 24 per cent in February 2008.

Other members of the Arsenal board have a lock-down agreement designed to stave off a potential takeover bid, although it is known that one major shareholder, Nina Bracewell-Smith, is unhappy with the direction the club has taken recently. (dpa)