Benham Partnership Voted In

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Bees United's independence diminished

Nearly 70% of Bees United members voted overwhelmingly that the Supporters' Trust which owns Brentford FC should go into partnership with Matthew Benham.

1241 members voted for the deal, with only 9 votes against it, in the highest turnout ever for a Bees United vote out of an eligible membership of 1830.

Matthew Benham gets about 35% of the club now, with a future option of increasing that to 75% if he wishes, in return for a £1 m per year investment over the next five years.

“This is excellent news,” comments Bees United Chairman David Merritt, who with the rest of the Bees United board had unanimously recommended the proposed partnership. “I'd like to thank the vast majority of Bees United members for their support for the proposal, which we believe is in the best interests of Brentford Football Club. All that remains now is for the shareholders' agreement and other formalities to be concluded.” 

August 26, 2009