'Important step' - Kyril Louis-Dreyfus releases statement amid Sunderland ownership update

Sunderland co-owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is pleased to put ongoing speculation surrounding the club’s ownership situation to bed. The Black Cats this morning announced that Louis-Dreyfus has increased his shares in the club to 51% to become the majority shareholder, having previously held a ‘controlling interest’ with an initial 41% stake.

As a result of his 10% purchase, Charlie Methven – who had owned just a 5% stake – no longer has any, while Stewart Donald has seen his shares almost half from 34% to 19%. Juan Sartori holds the remaining 30% after all increasing his shares by 10%.

Both Methven and Donald had been in talks to sell their stakes in the club to external parties, revealing earlier this month that two bids had been accepted and it was now in the hands of lawyers. However, following today’s announcement, Louis-Dreyfus revealed to safc.com that there will be ‘no further sales of shares to a third-party buyer’ and is now focused on progressing the club forward in what could be a big summer as a return to Championship football awaits.

He said: “Today marks an important step as we continue to rebuild Sunderland AFC. Following the 2021-22 season, it was the intention of Juan and I to ensure the ongoing speculation relating to the Club’s shareholding was addressed as soon as possible.

“Our ownership group has been consolidated and there will be no further sale of shares to a third-party buyer. We remain committed to our strategy of delivering long-term success and sustainability and together, alongside our dedicated staff and loyal supporters, I believe we can now move forward as one unified football club.”