Cobh Ramblers' member owned status ends with 'transformative' club takeover by US-based group

Cobh Ramblers have been taken over by the US-based FC32 group in a move that ends the club's member owned status.

The First Division club came into existence in 1985 and, like Bohemians, Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps, was always member-owned.

But that is no longer the case following the decision to sell to FC32, who own Austrian outfit SKN St Pölten and have a stake in Serie A side US Salernitana and Swiss second-tier club AC Bellinzona.

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The club has had a policy in recent years of welcoming outside investment if it was the right move and Cobh chairman Bill O'Leary says this is the right time.

Ramblers finished eighth in the First Division in the season that has just ended but hope to push on and return to the Premier Division after a 15 year absence.

“We are proud to partner with FC32, who share our vision for the club’s future," said O'Leary. "The board of management and our club members are excited and hugely in favour of this potentially transformative deal.

"It recognises our history, our relatively strong operating and financial models and positions us for growth in so many areas into the future."

Paul Francis, the founder and CEO of FC32, said: “Our focus is on player development and high performance. "We aim to partner with Cobh Ramblers to build a world-class talent pipeline and elevate the club to new heights.”

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