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FRP Corporate Finance has advised South Shields on the sale of a majority stake to an international investor group. The deal secures new cross-border backing for the football club.
The transaction involved an investor group backed by Ory Investment Holdings purchasing the majority shareholding. Chairman Geoff Thompson, who has led the club since 2015, remains in his role and keeps a significant stake.
The corporate finance office in Newcastle managed a global search process to identify the successful group.
Associate director Graham Brown supported the cross-border transaction alongside the main advisory team.
The new ownership consortium is anchored by the investment group and led by Jason Ye. The group brings together investors from the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore who hold experience across capital markets.
The club was founded in 1888 and currently competes in the National League North, playing its home matches at Mariners Park. The organisation has recently invested in its stadium infrastructure and regional school programs.
The transaction received formal approval from The Football Association and the National League, with the structure taking effect on 29 May 2026. Legal support for the vendor was provided by Mark Lazenby and Declan Fahey of Square One Law.
Partner Phil Williams said: “From the outset our priority was to find the right long-term custodian for South Shields FC. The club has a strong identity and a deep connection with its supporters, so it was important that any investor group shared this ambition while respecting what makes the club special.
“ORY and the wider consortium showed real commitment throughout the process, taking time to understand the club’s heritage and its priorities for the future. It has been a privilege to support a transaction that marks a new chapter for a club of such importance to its local community.”
Thompson added: “The past decade has been transformative for the club, with three consecutive promotions and expanding our reach into the community. We plan to build on this momentum by developing a sustainable football club that can continue to progress on the pitch while delivering lasting benefits for our supporters and the wider area.
“This investment gives us a strong platform to do just that, bringing in partners with the experience to support our continued development while keeping the club at the heart of the community. We look forward to working with ORY and the wider consortium to make that ambition a reality and represent North East grass roots football on a global stage.”
