March 14 – Brighton owner Tony Bloom has acquired a minority stake in Australian A-League club Melbourne Victory, the league confirmed.
Last week, Melbourne Victory cut ties with American investment group 777 Partners, whose multiple club ownership group is imploding. Bloom swept in to obtain a 19.1% stake in the club. No value has been put on the acquisition.
“We are extremely excited to bring someone of Tony’s calibre not only into Melbourne Victory, but of course, into the A-League,” said Melbourne Victory Chairman John Dovaston. “While the investment is independent of Tony’s other footballing interests, we are confident that being able to leverage Tony’s network at Brighton and beyond will help propel Melbourne Victory forward with a further strengthened capital base.
With the investment, Bloom is expanding his portfolio. He also holds a minority stake in Union St Gilles, a Brussels-based club which in recent seasons has become the success story of Belgian football. A professional poker player, Bloom’s clubs have built a reputation for effective use of data analysis and a shrewd transfer policy.
Bloom said: “My investment reflects my confidence in the club’s vision and leadership, and I see tremendous potential in the club for further growth and success, both on and off the pitch. My wife is from Australia and, whenever possible, the two of us and our children enjoy spending time there each year. I am especially delighted that we now have a ‘home club’ in Australia to support.”
“The club’s leadership know that I am available to them whenever needed to help in driving continued progress and success for Melbourne Victory.”
ESPN reported that the shares Bloom acquired were issued by the club rather than purchased from an existing shareholder. The Melbourne-based club are among the more successful teams in the A-League, having won the national crown four times.
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