Former Oak View Group (OVG) CEO Tim Leiweke has continued his expansion into European football by becoming a minority shareholder in Bolton Wanderers, marking his second club investment in just two months.
The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Leiweke completed the investment through Entrepreneur Equity Partners (EEP), the investment fund he backs alongside former OVG executive Francesca Bodie, who was recently appointed president of Venezia FC following the Italian club’s promotion to Serie A.
Second investment in two months
Bolton, recently promoted to the EFL Championship, becomes Leiweke’s second European football investment after his acquisition of a stake in Venezia FC earlier this summer.
As part of the transaction, Leiweke will join Bolton Wanderers’ board of directors.
“We’re here to help take this club to the next level,” Leiweke said. “We’ll bring everything we’ve learned to make Bolton Wanderers stronger than ever. We’re proud to join the club at such an important stage of its journey.”
Benfica deal remains on hold
Between the Venezia and Bolton investments, Entrepreneur Equity Partners also agreed to acquire a 16% stake in Benfica SAD from Portuguese businessman José António dos Santos in a transaction that reportedly valued the Portuguese club at €276 million.
However, that deal has been suspended because Benfica’s ownership rules prohibit shareholders from holding significant interests in multiple football clubs, creating a potential conflict of interest.
No further update has been provided on whether the transaction can be completed.
Growing multi-club investment trend
Leiweke’s latest move reflects the continuing rise of multi-club investment strategies across European football, with private equity firms and sports executives increasingly acquiring minority stakes in clubs across different leagues.
Through Entrepreneur Equity Partners, Leiweke is building a football portfolio spanning England and Italy, while exploring opportunities elsewhere in Europe, although regulatory and governance rules may limit future acquisitions in certain markets.