Takeover of Birmingham City Football Club completed
American businessman Tom Wagner has secured a 45 per cent stake in the club.
Last updated 13th Jul 2023
Birmingham City Football Club is under new ownership, after a deal to secure the club's future was completed.
Tom Wagner and his American investment firm Knighthead - via subsidiary Shelby Companies Limited (SCL) - has acquired full ownership of St. Andrew’s and 45.98% ownership of Birmingham City Limited.
SCL said a new Board for Birmingham City Plc has been appointed.
The new Board members are: Thomas Wagner, Matthew Alvarez, Andrew Shannahan, Kyle Kneisly, Laura Torrado, Wenqing Zhao and Gannan Zheng.
On completion of the deal, SCL said it is committed to making available the resources, in line with EFL guidelines, needed to deliver "transformational change for the good of the Club and the benefit of the city of Birmingham."
Tom 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.”
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.