Gloucester Rugby confirm ownership talks

Gloucester have been owned by the Walkinshaw family since 1997

Gloucester have confirmed they are in talks with a number of interested parties as they continue their search for new owners or investors.

The club are controlled by Ryan Walkinshaw, who took over following the death of his father Tom - a former Formula 1 team owner - in 2010.

According to reports, the Premiership club are valued at £25m.

"We are currently having positive conversations with a number of interested parties," said a statement.

"Naturally these conversations can take some time to complete, but we are dealing with them as a priority.

"When they conclude, we will issue a statement announcing our intentions with regard to moving forward with new investors, or continuing to operate under the current ownership model.

"What has been most pleasing is that, throughout this process, we have had zero impact on 'business as usual' and look forward to the start of the Aviva Premiership season, after what was an incredibly successful hosting of four Rugby World Cup games as Kingsholm."

Gloucester, who have been owned by the Walkinshaw family since 1997, hosted four Rugby World Cup games.