Brentford FC Announces Changes To Ownership Structure
Brentford FC and Bees United, the club’s official supporters’ trust, have issued an important update regarding modifications to the club’s ownership framework. These changes aim to modernise governance while preserving the rights and oversight of Bees United.
The decision underscores Brentford FC’s commitment to fan engagement, ensuring the club remains on a solid foundation for sustainable growth and future investment opportunities.
What is Changing?
Club owner Matthew Benham will transfer his shares in Brentford FC to a newly established holding company, pending Premier League approval.
As part of this transition, the Special Share currently held by Bees United will be replaced by a Protective Rights Deed. This legally binding deed will enshrine Bees United’s existing rights, which include the ability to veto any proposed sale of the club’s stadium and, uniquely among Premier League clubs, appointing a fan representative to the club’s Board.
Matthew Benham remains personally committed to upholding these protections. If his ownership stake falls below 75 per cent, any prospective owners must enter into the same deed to ensure Bees United’s rights remain intact.
By adopting this structure, Bees United’s rights will remain directly connected to the club itself rather than the holding company. These rights will be legally enforceable against both current and future owners of Brentford FC.
In essence, Bees United’s rights remain unchanged but are secured through a different legal mechanism.
Why the Change?
The restructuring forms part of a long-term plan to modernise Brentford FC’s ownership model.
Transitioning to a holding company structure provides greater flexibility, better equipping the club to capitalise on future growth opportunities, whether by strengthening its position in the Premier League or exploring ventures that will benefit Brentford FC in the long term.
Additionally, as a father and husband, Matthew Benham is considering the future – not only of the club but also of his family. This restructuring reflects his wish to provide long-term stability for both, streamlining important legal and financial processes to ensure that his family’s interests are protected while safeguarding the club’s future.
For these reasons, Bees United was approached for its support on this restructure – a request that its board accepted after ensuring, with independent legal advice from Andrew Thornton KC, that the change would not affect Bees United’s rights.
A Personal Commitment from Matthew Benham
Recognising that change can bring uncertainty, Matthew Benham has reiterated that this decision stems from his deep commitment to the club, its fans, and his family.
Brentford FC remains a core part of his life, and every decision is made with the aim of ensuring the club’s continued success and maintaining its status as a source of pride for supporters.
As the club looks ahead, Matthew Benham remains fully dedicated to securing Brentford FC’s future and protecting both the club’s and his family’s legacy.
Security for the Future
Brentford FC Chair Cliff Crown stated: “This transition strengthens the club’s ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the Premier League and beyond.
“It also provides Matthew’s family with the benefits of a more conventional ownership structure. It will allow Brentford FC to grow responsibly, remain competitive at the highest level, and ensure that Bees United’s role as a guardian of the club’s future remains secure for generations to come.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Bees United for their invaluable contribution and ongoing support of this decision. We also thank our supporters for their passion, loyalty, and continued backing.”
Bees United Chair Stuart Hatcher added: “Bees United was initially created to save the club and then, when Matthew acquired it, became the custodian of rights to protect the stadium and represent the fans’ voice on the board.
“We recognise everything Matthew has done for the club and, having determined that Bees United’s rights remain intact and that the right safeguards remain in place for the club and the fans, we were happy to support his request.
“We believe that this restructure brings strategic benefits to the club, creating opportunities for the future while maintaining the values and protections that matter to our supporters.”
