Bath City FC takeover moves closer as supporters back investor-led deal
Bath City FC’s proposed sale to an investor group led by entrepreneur Andrew Stalbow has taken a major step forward after supporters voted overwhelmingly in favour of the deal.
Members of the Bath City Supporters’ Society voted by more than 96% to approve the transfer of the Society’s shares to Bath City Holding Company, the vehicle established to complete the acquisition of the club. The Society currently holds just over 50% of the club’s shares, with the remainder held by individual shareholders.
The vote follows a series of meetings where supporters had the opportunity to hear directly from the proposed new ownership team about their plans for the club’s future, including investment in Twerton Park, strengthening community engagement and supporting both the men’s and women’s teams.
Stalbow, who would become the club’s full-time Chair, brings extensive experience from the technology, gaming and entertainment sectors. He was co-founder and CEO of mobile entertainment company Seriously, previously led commercial deals at Angry Birds creator Rovio, and managed the mobile division at 20th Century Fox. He is also an adviser to sports technology investor Courtside Ventures and serves as Vice President of SpecialEffect, the charity that helps disabled people access gaming.
The proposed board would also include communications specialist Richard Rivlin as Vice Chair, venture capital investor Abdallah Yafi as President and Bain & Company Chief Talent Officer Ivan Hindshaw. The wider investor consortium includes around 50 backers from sectors including sport, technology, finance, healthcare and consulting.
Supporters’ Society Chair Ian McKay described the result as a “ringing endorsement” of the proposed transaction.
He said, “Having heard from Andrew in person and with the Community Share and a seat on the Board, our members were reassured that our club will be in safe hands, with people who appreciate the importance of supporters to the club and who are determined to support our community.”
The proposal has also received unanimous backing from the Bath City Supporters Club, the independent fan organisation responsible for away travel and fundraising activities.
Notable investors include Bath-born Tears for Fears co-founder Curt Smith, a lifelong Bath City supporter who is set to become a club ambassador as part of the new ownership structure.
Bath City Chair David McDonagh welcomed the result and urged remaining shareholders to support the transaction.
“These results show that the supporters of the club are fully behind the proposed deal,” he said. “It now rests in the hands of individual shareholders and so it is vitally important that, no matter how many shares they hold, they accept the offer and return their forms ahead of the deadline.”
The investor group is proposing an initial investment of more than £6 million into the club, with plans to develop Football League-ready infrastructure, enhance Twerton Park and strengthen connections between the club and the wider community.
Stalbow said he was humbled by the result of the vote.
“They represent the fans who are the beating heart of every club,” he said. “We will work very hard to deliver for this fantastic club and help it unlock its potential.”
The deal is not yet complete. For the transaction to proceed, 90% of the club’s total shareholding must approve the offer. More than 80% of shares have already accepted, with remaining shareholders having until the end of August to cast their vote.
If approved, the agreement would bring an end to Bath City’s period of community ownership, which began in 2017, while retaining safeguards including supporter representation on the board and community protections designed to preserve the club’s identity and values.
