Swansea City: American takeover of Premier League club is complete
- Published
Swansea City: American investors 'connect' with Swansea
An American consortium has completed the purchase of a controlling stake in Premier League club Swansea City.
Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan, experienced in running US sports teams, lead a consortium which has bought a controlling stake of 68% in the Swans.
The new owners, who received Premier League ratification on 1 July, finalised the deal in Swansea following a meeting with chairman Huw Jenkins.
Swansea Supporters Trust retain a 21% shareholding in the club.
The new Swansea majority shareholders broke the news in an open letter to supporters., external
They had been due to hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon, but it was delayed due to a dispute between minority shareholders.
Although retaining its stake, the Supporters Trust was 'disappointed' about not being included in any talks.
The Trust feels the new owners have yet to give any indication of "investment into the football club, if any, is proposed", adding that it wants to discuss long-term plans for the club and the negotiation of a new shareholders' agreement.
Swansea's American investors | ||
|---|---|---|
Jason Levein | Steve Kaplan | |
General managing owner at Major League Soccer franchise DC United | Current role | Executive chairman of basketball franchise Memphis Grizzlies |
The politics and law graduate started a sports law agency | Start in business | Set up global asset management company in 1995, now with £7.5bn |
He represented Luol Deng in signing a six-year, $71 million contract with Chicago Bulls in 2008 | Did you know? | Forbes described him as "the world's biggest distressed-debt investor" |
After receiving Premier League approval earlier this month, Levien and Kaplan said they had "minor loose ends to tie up", which appear to have been resolved following Wednesday's meeting.
Jenkins will stay in his role under the terms of the agreement, as will vice-chairman Leigh Dineen.
BBC Wales Sport revealed in April which of Swansea's directors would be selling all - or part - of their shares.
Levien is the managing general partner of Major League Soccer side DC United, while Kaplan is principal of Oaktree Capital investment fund and vice-chairman of NBA franchise Memphis Grizzlies.
They are understood to be keen to buy Swansea's home ground, Liberty Stadium, which is owned by the local council, with a view to increasing its capacity.
Levien and Kaplan had initially been negotiating a deal which would have seen them acquire more than 75% of Swansea's shares, effectively giving the American consortium complete control, including the power to issue more shares.
However, the modified acquisition of 60% will see the trust retain its 21.1% stake and ensure continuity at board level with the retention of Jenkins and Dineen.
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