NEWCASTLE United have been bought by a Saudi Arabia group of investors, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The takeover is believed to be worth around £300m and has been approved by the Premier League.
Until the takeover, the club was owned by English sports goods millionaire Mike Ashley, who took the reins in 2007.
“An investment group led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and also comprising PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media (the “Investment Group”), has completed the acquisition of 100% of Newcastle United Limited and Newcastle United Football Club Limited (“Newcastle United” or the “Club”) from St. James Holdings Limited,” the club announced on Thursday.
“All requisite approvals have been obtained from the English Premier League and the acquisition was completed on 7 October 2021.
“The Investment Group is comprised of long-term, patient investors who have every confidence in the future success of the Club. Today’s announcement is the conclusion of a thorough and detailed process that has allowed the Investment Group to arrive at a deal that benefits all stakeholders and will leave Newcastle United well-placed to pursue a clear, long-term strategy.
“His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, will serve as Non-Executive Chairman of Newcastle United. Amanda Staveley, chief executive of PCP Capital Partners, will have one seat on the board. Jamie Reuben will also be a director of the Club, representing RB Sports & Media.”
The Saudi Royal Family-backed investment group is reportedly worth around £300 billion and will look to make Newcastle United one of Europe’s top clubs with significant investment in the squad.
The Saudis are the latest billionaires from the Middle East to invest heavily in European football following the big-money takeovers of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City by wealthy United Arab Emirates and Qatari investors.
His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, said: “We are extremely proud to become the new owners of Newcastle United, one of the most famous clubs in English football.
“We thank the Newcastle fans for their tremendously loyal support over the years and we are excited to work together with them.”
Amanda Staveley, Chief Executive Officer of PCP Capital Partners, said: “This is a long-term investment. We are excited about the future prospects for Newcastle United.
“We intend to instill a united philosophy across the Club, establish a clear purpose, and help provide leadership that will allow Newcastle United to go on to big achievements over the long term.
“Our ambition is aligned with the fans – to create a consistently successful team that’s regularly competing for major trophies and generates pride across the globe.”
