- Brentford hired Rothschild to oversee the sale of a minority or majority stake
- The west London club have risen through the leagues since Benham arrived in 2007.
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Brentford owner Matthew Benham is inviting investment in the Premier League club, valued at more than £400m.
Benham, who initially invested in the west London club in 2007 when they were playing in League Two, hired Rothschild to oversee a process that could see him sell a majority stake.
Sky News reported that the search for new investment will begin in the near future, with experts predicting that Brentford will become the latest top-flight club to attract American investors.
Brentford have risen impressively through the leagues since Benham, 55, a long-standing fan and founder of gambling research company Smartodds, got involved.
They also moved from Griffin Park to the modern Gtech Community Stadium near Kew Bridge in 2020.
Brentford owner Matthew Benham is exploring investment opportunities in the London club.
Brentford have risen through the leagues since Benham began 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 Manchester City’s Kyle Walker on Tuesday night
Sky News said Benham has an open mind about whether to sell a minority or majority stake in the club and is likely to remain among the club’s owners.
A statement issued by Brentford to Bloomberg in December said external investment opportunities would be “carefully explored”.
“Given the recent rise and growth of our club and the changing shareholding landscape within the Premier League, it is not surprising that there has been interest in investment opportunities at Brentford FC.
“While Matthew Benham’s commitment to the club remains as strong as ever, it is natural, and perhaps even essential, that we carefully explore what new investment could potentially mean for the future of Brentford FC.
“We must not stand still and remain absolutely determined to safeguard the long-term future of Brentford FC and remain competitive in the most challenging and successful league in the world.”
Brentford are playing their third season in the Premier League after achieving promotion from the Championship in 2021.
They have achieved results of 13th and 9th in the top flight under Thomas Frank, although this season has been more difficult.
The Bees are 14th in the table following Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, just five points above the relegation places.
More to follow.