Brentford owner Matthew Benham exploring new investment in club
- Benham bought the Bees in 2012
- Owner still remains committed to club
- US investors thought to be among those interested in buying stake
Brentford owner Matthew Benham is exploring new investment opportunities in the English top-flight soccer club.
The 55-year-old businessman, who bought the Bees in 2012 and whose finances helped them climb from League One to the Premier League, still remains committed to the club.
Benham is open minded to potential investment, either in the form of a minority or majority shareholding, from wealthy organisations or nations, as they bid to cement their place among the elite of English soccer.
US investors are thought to be among those interested in buying into the club. According to Sky News, any deal would be expected to value the Bees at more than UK£400 million (US$507 million) .
A Brentford spokesman said: “Given the recent rise and growth of our club and the changing shareholder landscape within the Premier League, it’s no surprise that there has been interest in investment opportunities at Brentford FC.
“While Matthew Benham’s commitment to the club remains as strong as it ever was, it is only natural, and perhaps even essential, for us to carefully explore what new investment could potentially mean for the future of Brentford FC.
“We must not stand still and we remain absolutely determined to safeguard the long term future of Brentford FC and to remain competitive in the world’s most challenging and successful league.”
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are among the top-flight clubs currently under American ownership.
Brentford would not confirm or deny reports that Benham had hired financial services group Rothschild to find potential investors.
The Bees, managed by Thomas Frank, are in their third season in the Premier League and currently lie in 14th place – five points above the relegation zone.
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