Belgian Entrepreneur Roland Duchâtelet Takes Over Charlton Athletic

English Championship club Charlton Athletic have announced today that Belgian entrepreneur Roland Duchâtelet, whose company, Staprix NV has taken over the club and acquired 100 per cent of the shares, subject only to some final legal formalities.

Staprix is an investment vehicle with several football-related interests. The terms of the deal have been kept confidential.

The club had been in negotiations with the Belgian millionaire after talks with American Josh Harris, who owns the Philadelphia 76ers NBA side and New Jersey Devils NHL team, collapsed last month.

Richard Murray, who will remain on the board and become non-executive Chairman, commented: “I look forward to using my long experience in English football to continue to represent the club that has been my passion for many years. Charlton can benefit from Roland’s experience in many different ways.”

Chairman Michael Slater, who will step down from the board after a short handover period, added: “In every important respect we leave the club in a far better state than when we took over three years ago, but now is the time to pass the baton to Roland who has a proven track record of success in business and football.

“We believe we have found an investor with extensive knowledge of football who is well placed to stabilize the club in the Championship and help the club to develop on a sensible commercial basis.”

Tony Jimenez and Martin Prothero are also stepping down from the board of directors.