Former Football Mogul’s Ex-Wife Receives £43.5m Divorce Award

£43.5m Divorce Settlement: High Court Ruling in Favor of Tycoon’s Ex-Wife

The High Court has ordered Dale Vince, the green energy tycoon and Forest Green Rovers FC chair, to pay his ex-wife Kate Vince £43.5m over three years as part of their divorce settlement.

Disputes Over Matrimonial Assets

Dale Vince and his ex-wife Kate Vince disputed how their matrimonial assets should be split at a hearing in December. Ms Vince’s lawyers argued that her ex-husband was giving away assets, including £5.4m in donations to the Labour Party, of which she should be entitled to half.

Contributions Throughout Marriage

In a statement, Sarah Jane Lenihan, representing Ms Vince, said: “We are very grateful to the court for the fair and equitable award granted to Ms Vince. It is only right that Ms Vince has received an award which reflects her extensive contributions throughout the marriage, which the judge acknowledged, during which Mr Vince built the majority of his fortune.”

Donations to Labour Party

Dale Vince claimed that the increase in donations to the Labour party between April 2022 and May 2024 came from a rise in the value of his businesses and had “nothing at all to do with” the legal battle. However, Ms Vince alleges they were continuing a physical and emotional relationship right up to February 2022.

High Court Ruling

In a 20-page ruling on Friday, Mr Justice Cusworth said: “I consider that the wife should receive 50% of the marital element of the value in the businesses, and not less.” The first payment of £13.94m will be made to Ms Vince by 30 April, with the further two to follow annually.

Reactions from Parties Involved

Dale Vince said: “My ex-wife walks away from court with £12m less than I first offered her four years ago. Along with her legal team she has wasted years of time, not just our own but that of the court.”

The High Court’s ruling brings an end to a long and contentious divorce battle between Dale Vince and his ex-wife Kate Vince.