Aston Villa have today confirmed that they are joining up with investors Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens as they look to secure financial sustainability following recent money troubles.
Owner Tony Xhia will remain as chairman of the Championship side, and revealed his delight at the partnership:
I am extremely pleased to have formed a strategic partnership with Nassef and Wes. We have a common goal of delivering future success for Aston Villa and I look forward to working together to achieve this aim.
To have come so close to achieving promotion last season was a humbling experience. In finding such strong partners as Nassef and Wes we’re gearing up to fight again and bring back the success that this Club deserves and we all so want to provide it with. The future is exciting on a number of fronts and I look forward to exploring further business collaborations.
Sawiris and Edens co-own investment company NSWE, and released a statement following the partnership telling fans of their goal is to bring the Villains back to the top flight of English football:
As lifelong football fans, we are excited and privileged to have become part of this great Club. We believe that together we bring business and sports experience that will help strengthen the Club to ensure Aston Villa can return to its rightful place in the upper echelons of English football.
Our goal is to bring sustainable success to the Club, building on its rich history while respecting its loyal fan base and unique culture. We understand that we are stewards of Aston Villa on behalf of the fans and we take that responsibility seriously.
We look forward to working with Dr Tony to undertake a thorough assessment and evaluation of the Club in the coming weeks and our priority is to strengthen the squads and structures ahead of the upcoming season and beyond.
Edens is a co-owner of NBA franchise the Milwaukee Bucks, while Nassef Sawiris is part of Egypt's richest family, who have with a combined net worth of £36 billion.
