Monday 9 November 2015 14:55, UK
Bournemouth have confirmed a Chicago-based investment group has bought a 25 per cent share in the Premier League club.
The PEAK6 Group are led by Matt Hulsizer, who will take an influential role alongside current owner, Russian petrochemicals trader Maxim Demin.
Demin, whose substantial investment in recent seasons has helped Bournemouth's unexpected rise to the Premier League, has avoided any publicity since his purchase of the south coast club in 2011 but is expected to remain involved at Dean Court.
Sky News understands the deal was completed on Friday and has now been formally confirmed.
A statement by the club said: "Having established a relationship with Mr Hulsizer over the past 15 months, AFC Bournemouth owner Maxim Demin believes the partnership will further enable the club to deliver long-term success, providing strategic insight and international presence and helping secure the football club's future at the highest level.
"Mr Hulsizer brings a wealth of expertise to the club. He co-founded PEAK6, a multi-faceted global business, and also has involvement in the US sports industry, most notably through his ownership interest in the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League."
Hulsizer said: "I am excited and honoured to partner with Maxim and AFC Bournemouth. I was introduced to the club over two seasons ago and since then I have followed the club's progress and seen the tremendous accomplishments in that time.
"With Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall managing the team, I am confident that we can establish ourselves in the top flight."
Bournemouth are currently in the Premier League relegation zone and while it is likely manager Howe could have an increased budget in the January transfer window as a result of this deal, PEAK6 view their investment as more of a long-term strategy.
