He started his business career helping his mother sell buttons
New West Ham joint-chairman David Gold's life has been a textbook case of rags to riches.
Brought up in humble surroundings in London, he started his business career helping his mother sell buttons from a market stall outside their house.
He was the driving force behind the Ann Summers brand, turning the idea into a multi-million pound venture.
Now as a former owner of Birmingham City, Gold and his business partner David Sullivan have bought a 50% controlling stake in West Ham.
THE 60 YEAR WAIT FOR WEST HAM
His family button business started in the East End on an outdoor stall but soon moved indoors into the front room, where David helped run a card and sweet shop.
His first independent job was as a bricklayer but he soon moved to a bookstall in Charing Cross.
It was while working here, he noticed the books with more risque content sold better than the others, and increased the price accordingly.
This realisation took him into the world of publishing and print.
He successfully took over the Ann Summers brand, which is now overseen by his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa.
Gold was the chairman and co-owner of Birmingham City FC until he and Sullivan sold the club to Hong Kong billionaire Carson Yeung in October 2009.
The sale ended their 16-year tenure at the club.
The West Ham deal announced on 18 January has been done in Sullivan's name but he and Gold have been named as joint-chairmen.
Gold says he has waited almost 60 years to take over the club.
FROM RAGS TO RICHES
He told the BBC he is "absolutely delighted" to be returning to his roots, as he can see the house where he was born, 442 Green Street from the Upton Park Grounds.
So the £50m purchase price was probably well spent in his view.
And as he has been named seventh on the Surrey Life Rich List, and with family assets, is worth a cool £300m, he can afford to do a little shopping every now and then.
He is chairman of Gold Group International, which includes his retail, aviation, publishing and property business and also holds a pilots licence.
He lives in Caterham, with his partner Lesley, in his restored Victorian mansion which sits in 55 acres of landscaped grounds, which includes a self-designed golf course.
The estate also boasts a heli-pad and a runway for his private jet.
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