FRP Corporate Finance has revealed its role on the majority sale of South Shields FC to an international investor consortium.
The deal sees an investor group backed by ORY Investment Holdings acquire a majority shareholding in the club.
Geoff Thompson, who has led the club since 2015 and overseen three promotions, remains in place as chairman and a significant shareholder.
Founded in 1888, South Shields FC competes in the National League North and plays its home matches at Mariners Park.
FRP Corporate Finance’s Newcastle team was appointed by the club to help explore long-term ownership options, building on a long-standing advisory relationship between chairman Geoff Thompson and FRP partner Phil Williams, who was supported on the deal by associate director Graham Brown.
The team supported a global search process that involved discussions with potential investors from the UK and overseas before identifying the successful consortium.
The new ownership group is anchored by ORY Investment Holdings and led by Jason Ye. The consortium brings together investors from the United States, Hong Kong and Singapore with experience across capital markets and business investment, as well as a shared interest in sports investment.
Phil Williams, partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “From the outset our priority was to find the right long-term custodian for South Shields FC. The club has a strong identity and a deep connection with its supporters, so it was important that any investor group shared this ambition while respecting what makes the club special.
“ORY and the wider consortium showed real commitment throughout the process, taking time to understand the club’s heritage and its priorities for the future. It has been a privilege to support on a transaction that marks a new chapter for a club of such importance to its local community.”
Geoff Thompson, chairman of South Shields FC, added: “The past decade has been transformative for the club, with three consecutive promotions and expanding our reach into the community. We plan to build on this momentum by developing a sustainable football club that can continue to progress on the pitch while delivering lasting benefits for our supporters and the wider area.”
Jason Ye, on behalf of ORY Investment Holdings, said: “It is a privilege to join an organisation that embodies such a rich heritage, strong community spirit, and a location at the heart of one of the world’s most prolific regions for football talent. We know there’s plenty of hard work ahead, but we’re fully committed to building on the fantastic foundation Geoff and the team have already created.”
