Image source, Rex Features
Shilen Patel has completed the takeover of Championship club West Brom from Chinese businessman Guochuan Lai.
The American, who is now the majority shareholder, has also become the Baggies’ new chairman.
Bilkul Football WBA – a company owned by Florida-based entrepreneur Patel and his father Kiran Patel – has acquired an 87.8% shareholding.
“I am humbled to become the new custodian of West Bromwich Albion,” Shilen Patel said.
Patel has also owned a minority shareholding in Italian Serie A club Bologna since 2014.
BBC Sport reported in January that Patel had become a significant candidate to take control of the club from Lai, who had been owner since buying out Jeremy Peace in 2016.
Albion are well placed in the battle for a Championship play-off place, lying fifth under head coach Carlos Corberan – 16 points off an automatic promotion place, but with a four-point cushion on the chasing pack.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting project for the club to regain its standing as a consistent Premier League presence,” Patel added.
“Success does not occur overnight, but it is my ambition to build on the club’s current and historical strengths and surround West Bromwich Albion with high quality stakeholders at home and globally.
“I am also fortunate to be inheriting and continuing the great work of The Albion Foundation at home and abroad.
“I am in awe of the opportunity to help write the next chapter in Baggies history and am committed to being a responsible, respectful, and effective steward of the club.”
The American has also previously invested in businesses across five continents including technology, healthcare, real estate, finance, food & beverages.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
