Brentford owner Matthew Benham is inviting investment in the Premier League club, which is valued at over £400million.
Benham, who initially invested in the west London club in 2007 when they played in League Two, has hired Rothschild to oversee a process which could see him sell a controlling stake.
Sky News reported that the search for fresh investment will begin in the near future, with experts predicting Brentford will become the latest top-flight club to appeal to US investors.
Brentford have risen impressively through the leagues since long-standing fan Benham, 55, the founder of gambling research company Smartodds, became involved.
They have also moved from Griffin Park to the modern Gtech Community Stadium close to Kew Bridge in 2020.
Brentford owner Matthew Benham is exploring investment opportunities in the London club
Brentford have risen through the leagues since Benham started investing in the west London club in 2007, moving from Griffin Park to the modern Gtech Community Stadium in 2020
Brentford’s Sergio Reguilon in action against Kyle Walker of Manchester City on Tuesday night
Sky News said Benham is open-minded about whether to sell a minority or majority shareholding in the club and he is likely to remain among the club’s ownership.
A statement issued by Brentford to Bloomberg back in December said opportunities for external investment would be ‘carefully explored’.
‘Given the recent rise and growth of our club and the changing shareholder landscape within the Premier League, it’s no surprise that there has been interest in investment opportunities at Brentford FC.
‘While Matthew Benham’s commitment to the club remains as strong as it ever was, it is only natural, and perhaps even essential, for us to carefully explore what new investment could potentially mean for the future of Brentford FC.
‘We must not stand still and we remain absolutely determined to safeguard the long term future of Brentford FC and to remain competitive in the world’s most challenging and successful league.’
More to follow.
