South African retailer Woolworths has moved closer to seizing control of David Jones after its shareholders approved a $2.2 billion takeover of the department store chain.

A majority of Woolworths shareholders approved the deal and the retailer’s plans for a $1 billion capital raising to fund the takeover at a meeting in South Africa on Tuesday.

David Jones shareholders are due to vote on the proposal at a meeting in Sydney on June 30.

David Jones said in a statement today that its board continued to unanimously recommend its shareholders accept the takeover offer.

“The David Jones directors intend to vote all the David Jones shares held or controlled by them in favour of the scheme,” it said.

Meanwhile, retail mogul Solomon Lew has snared a near 10 per cent stake in the company amid speculation he wants to block Woolworths’ takeover bid.

David Jones today revealed the businessman now held a 9.89 per cent stake, making him a substantial shareholder.

Speculation has been mounting about Mr Lew buying up millions of David Jones shares in recent days.

He is believed to be keen for Woolworths to buy his 12 per cent stake in fashion retailer Country Road, The Australian Financial Review reported.