US takeover of Birmingham City completes
The long-running sale saga at Birmingham City is over after US-based Shelby Companies Limited (SCL) finally completed a deal to buy the club.
Shelby, through its Knighthead Capital affiliate, has taken full owner of the St Andrew’s ground and a 45.64% stake in Birmingham City plc.
A new board has been appointed, made up of: Thomas Wagner, Matthew Alvarez, Andrew Shannahan, Kyle Kneisly, Laura Torrado, Wenqing Zhao and Gannan Zheng.
Wagner, Knighthead co-founder and co-CEO, said: “This is an exciting day for everyone associated with Birmingham City Football Club, especially the fans. It marks the beginning of a new chapter. From this moment on everything we do will be focused on improving the experience for our fans and making a positive contribution to growth of the city of Birmingham and how it is viewed around the world.”
He added: “We are committed to giving the fans a greater voice. We will add talented professionals to the existing leadership team, experienced in driving transformational change in football and other sports organisations. Continually improve the physical infrastructure of the Club. Create new and exciting commercial relationships, leveraging global businesses that Knighthead is connected to. Invest in both the men’s and women’s teams, with young local talent given the opportunity to shine. And always be a positive force in the local community. The transition and implementation plans will take time, but we believe that we will earn Birmingham City fans trust and support.”
He concluded: “Our goal is to put in place the building blocks for success so that Birmingham has a club, bearing its name, which is globally respected. The future of Birmingham City is in good and safe hands. The potential of this Club is unlimited.”
SCL will be announcing new additions to the Birmingham City Football Club leadership team, infrastructure improvements and a new commercial partner in the coming days.
