‘The potential for Birmingham City is unlimited’

American hedge fund manager Tom Wagner, has said he is committed to delivering “transformational improvements for the good of the Club and the good of the city” following his acquisition of a majority stake in Birmingham City Football Club.

Tom Wagner. Credit: Birmingham City FC

Wagner set up Shelby Companies, a subsidiary of Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company, to purchase 24% of shares owned by Birmingham Sports Holdings and 21.64% of shares from Oriental Rainbow Investments and Achiever Global Group, resulting in a 45.64% stake.

Shelby Companies will also acquire 100% of Birmingham’s St Andrew’s stadium.

The deal is subject to approval from both the English Football League (EFL) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, meaning the club will remain under the control of the current board until the relevant owners and directors tests and contracts are completed.

Wagner wrote in a message to Blues fans: “You may be asking why we are making this commitment. Knighthead’s expertise is in turning around and transforming organisations that are experiencing difficulties.

“We have a passion for sport. We have been involved in, and have seen first-hand, its ability to drive positive economic and social change.

“We plan to commit the resources, in line with EFL guidelines, the skills and the determination needed to deliver transformational improvements for the good of the Club and the good of the city. The potential for Birmingham City is unlimited”.

He presented his ambition to “transform the Club’s fortunes through improved infrastructure and new commercial partnerships” as well as delivering a fan experience that is “unmatched”.

Wagner also plans to help “young local talent flourish and realise their ambitions” and be a “positive force in the local community”.

Wagner and the Knighthead team joined fans at St. Andrew’s today for the Club’s final Sky Bet Championship fixture of the season.