Charlton takeover by East Street Investments complete as Roland Duchatelet's reign ends

Takeover complete: A new era is dawning at The Valley
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George Flood2 January 2020

East Street Investments (ESI) have completed their £50million-plus takeover of Charlton Athletic with plenty of time to spare in the January transfer window.

ESI - a consortium of investors led by Abu Dhabi-based majority shareholder Tahnoon Nimer and former FA licensed agent Matt Southall - first announced that they had agreed to purchase the Championship club in November, though the deal was subject to EFL approval.

Charlton announced on Thursday that the takeover was now concluded as attentions turn to strengthening Lee Bowyer's first-team squad over the coming weeks.

Winger Andre Green has already moved to The Valley on loan from Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.

"It was vital for the long-term health of Charlton Athletic that this deal was completed at the very start of the January transfer window," said departing owner Roland Duchatelet.

"It allows the new owners to commit resources to the football side in order to bring in new players who will help secure the club's position in the Championship."

Chairman Southall - who has attended every game since the first takeover announcement - added that ESI "already have plans in place" to support Bowyer and his staff over the next month.

"But most importantly is strengthening our links with both the fans and the Charlton community so they may understand our short and long-term plans for the club and how we intend to build on the amazing support and goodwill already shown to ESI," he said.

After a promising start to their post-promotion campaign, Charlton have won only one of their last five matches and currently sit 19th and five points above the second-tier relegation zone.

Charlton chairman Matt Southall's statement in full

“I have been fortunate to meet many of the dedicated staff who have served the club so loyally and diligently and whose love of Charlton Athletic shines through. Their enthusiasm is part of the reason why we are so confident of building something special now the takeover is complete.

“Since our last statement on November 29th, it has been my privilege to attend every game and see for myself why this football club means so much to so many people. I have met hundreds of fans, attended some of the club’s community schemes and spoken with people for whom Charlton Athletic means everything.

“Without exception, they’ve reminded me of what Charlton stands for both as a football club and as part of the wider community. Rest assured, we will never lose sight of that and will do everything in our power to protect that legacy and the long-term future of the club.

“This is a great opportunity for ESI and we are thankful to Roland Duchatelet and his team for giving us the chance to build on such strong foundations.

“Now, for us, the hard work begins. We already have plans in place to support Lee and his staff over the next month.

“But most importantly is strengthening our links with both the fans and the Charlton community so they may understand our short and long-term plans for the club and how we intend to build on the amazing support and goodwill already shown to ESI.”

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