Ipswich confirm new ownership structure

Ipswich Town have announced changes to their ownership structure with Portman Holdings LLC becoming the new majority shareholder in the Championship club.

US investment fund ORG formed a new company called Gamechanger 20 Ltd in April 2021 to buy a 90% stake from former owner Marcus Evans.

ORG will remain part of the ownership group at Portman Road but the Three Lions fund and Clara Vista Partners have made fresh investments under the Portman Holdings banner and shares have now been transferred to them.

Pop megastar Ed Sheeran retains his 1.4% minority stake in the club which he bought in August 2024.

Mark Ashton will continue to run the club on a day to day basis as chair of the board and chief executive.

"This is another important day as we continue to ensure the club is in the best place to maintain what has been an exceptional growth curve over the last few years," he said.

The Three Lions fund first invested in Ipswich in 2021 and increased their stake in March last year when Clara Vista, headed by Bob Gold, also put money into the club.

And as part of the changes Gold will join the board of Gamechanger 20, whose name remains listed as owner of the club.

"Since initially investing in March 2024, we have been extremely pleased with the progress the club has made across all areas and are excited for the future ahead," he told the club website.

And ORG co-founder Ed Schwartz said: "The club has enjoyed significant growth across so many areas over the last four-and-a-half years and, during that time, has benefited from the guidance, knowledge and expertise of our investors."

Following back to back promotions in 2023 and 2024 and relegation from the Premier League last season, Ipswich are currently seventh in the Championship under manager Kieran McKenna.