Matthew Benham Gets Majority Shares in Brentford FC

Matthew Benham has acquired a majority shareholding in Brentford Football Club.

His purchase from Bees United, The Brentford Supporters’ Trust, has increased Matthew’s stake in the football club from 36% to 97%, with the remainder held by other supporters.

Matthew has paid a nominal sum for Brentford FC Limited, with a substantial loan amount owed to him converted into preference shares.

This debt was part of the five-year Matthew Benham/Bees United partnership agreement that commenced in 2009.

The agreement was brought forward this year with Bees United members last month voting overwhelmingly in favour to sell its shares to Matthew.

Included in the agreement, the Griffin Park “golden share”- that carries the right of veto to the sale of Griffin Park unless it will enable a bona fide move to a new stadium that meets all reasonable requirements for the football club – will pass from Martin Lange to Bees Unitedon May 31 2014.

Matthew’s purchase of the Club has been conducted through himself and not a SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) company.