Canadian businessman completes Dumbarton purchase

Dumbarton's stadium lies in the shadow of Dumbarton Castle

Canadian electronics businessman Mario Lapointe has completed his purchase of Dumbarton.

Dumbarton were relegated from Scottish League 1 last season after finishing bottom of the table following a 15-point deduction for going into administration.

Earlier this month, administrator Quantuma said the club - formed in 1872 - would be dissolved and replaced with Dumbarton Football Club 1872 Ltd, a new company wholly owned by Lapointe.

An agreement had been reached with the Scottish Professional Football League to allow Lapointe to take control and play in League 2 next season - and it was hoped to have the approval of the Scottish FA by Tuesday's SPFL annual meeting.

Now Quantuma managing director Ian Wright has revealed the sale of the club is complete.

"So many people have helped to get to this conclusion, but most importantly has been the support of the fans," he said.

"We wish Mario and everyone involved with the club every success for the season ahead and for the longer-term future of the Sons."

Lapointe, co-owner and technical director of electronics contract manufacturer SMT-ASSY in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, had stepped in to save the club after ill health forced the collapse of a deal with Oxford-based businessman Gareth Phillips.

The new owner will visit Dumbarton next week for the first time since agreeing the takeover and supporters and sponsors will have three opportunities to attend 'Meet Mario' events on Wednesday, 25 June.

Dumbarton went into administration in November, when Quantuma said insolvency was the result of non-receipt of "significant" funds owed from the sale of land in 2021.