Newcastle Jets’ search for new owners has stepped up a gear, with the A-League club engaging the services of an advisory and investment firm in the hope of a sale being completed by Christmas.
Since January 2021, when Chinese-based businessman Martin Lee was stripped of the Jets’ licence for not paying debts and failing to further invest in the club, Newcastle has been funded by the owners of three rival A-League franchises – Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC and Western United.
The Australian Professional Leagues has been searching for permanent owners since then, but now the Jets’ current investors have appointed KordaMentha to “commence the sale” of the club.
KordaMentha partner Scott Langdon expected plenty of interest in the Jets.
“The A-League is expanding,” Langdon said.
“With Auckland just announced as joining the competition, the game continues to increase its popularity and profile in the Australian market.
“Aside from growth here in Australia, football is the world game, so we anticipate expressions of interest from parties around the world who understand what it takes to run a professional sports club.
“Our sale process is focused on the Jets having new owners prior to Christmas so the Jets can enter 2024 with new ownership and a long-term vision for sustained success.”
Jets executive chairman Shane Mattiske said the “time was right” for the club to find a new owner.
“When (the current owners) stepped in to support the Jets, (they) were focused on building stability, establishing growth and sustainability and finally to support the transition to a more permanent owner,” Mattiske said.
“They’ve delivered on that plan and now we can confidently move to new ownership and a bright future.”
The Jets opened their A-League season on Sunday night with a 2-2 draw in Perth against the Glory.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ70qmmq6xfm7ywwMGao6VnkaGyorPUnmScpKWXeq%2Bx1pyYrKycmnqpu8%2BipaBlpKR6qa3VnmSnnadivLi6xKtkm7FdmLWztdKtpJqrX6OyuL%2BMrKuoqqlkhaKAlZ9uaW1il4N3hMVrbZ5tZGyDeX2TbG6fnGiahHU%3D