Birmingham City Football Club: New Ownership and a Bright Future
Birmingham City Football Club (BCFC) has recently been taken over by US-based Shelby Companies Limited (SCL). The takeover was confirmed by Knighthead Capital Management, who stated that SCL now has 45.98% ownership of Birmingham City Limited, as well as full ownership of Blues’ ground at St Andrew’s. The new owners have expressed their commitment to providing the resources needed to bring about transformational change for the good of the club and the benefit of the city.
The takeover of BCFC marks a new chapter for the Championship’s longest-serving club. With the new ownership comes a renewed commitment to upgrading St Andrew’s, as well as Wast Hills, where the academy and Blues women teams will train. The first team will continue to train at Henley-in-Arden.
The Transition Plan
In an open letter to Blues fans, Knighthead co-founder and co-chief executive Tom Wagner said: “The transition and implementation plans will take time. There will be bumps in the road but I ask that you get behind the leadership team guiding the club forward, be part of the alliance and continue to give every team that wears the shirt your passionate support.”
Wagner also confirmed that the new owners will be present for the first Championship home game of the season against Leeds United on Saturday, 12 August.
The Previous Ownership
Prior to the takeover by SCL, BCFC was owned by Chinese investors. Last summer, former Barcelona and AC Milan striker Maxi Lopez was part of a consortium, including Blues fan and local businessman Paul Richardson, that claimed to be close to buying a 21% stake. That interest was ended in December, although subsequently Lopez, Richardson and Matthew Southall admitted breaching EFL rules over the owners and directors’ test by taking control of the club without going through the proper sign-off procedure.
A Bright Future Ahead
The takeover of BCFC by SCL marks a new era for the Championship’s longest-serving club. With a commitment to providing resources for transformational change, as well as upgrades to St Andrew’s and Wast Hills, Birmingham City Football Club is sure to have a bright future ahead. The new owners have expressed their commitment to being present for the first Championship home game of the season against Leeds United on Saturday, 12 August.
Fans are encouraged to get behind the leadership team guiding the club forward and continue to show their passionate support for every team that wears the shirt. With a renewed commitment to providing resources for transformational change, Birmingham City Football Club is sure to have a bright future ahead.