Tom Wagner: the man behind the Birmingham City takeover - including company net worth & Tom Brady links

Birmingham City are on the brink of a takeover by the American Thomas Wagner.

The club announced this morning (May 8) that an agreement has been reached for the sale of 45.64% of the club, as well as the entirety of St Andrew’s Stadium, subject to checks. Owners Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited (BSHL) have informed the club that two sale and purchase agreements have now been signed.

The identity of those buying the club has been officially revealed as Shelby Companies, managed by American financier, Tom Wagner. Wagner is due to be at St Andrew’s today for the club’s final game of the season at home to Sheffield United. Assuming the deal is approved, wagner’s company will have full ownership and control over St. Andrew’s, part ownership of Birmingham City Plc, and significant representation on the club’s board. The deal was brought through with the help of former Motorola and Microsoft Executive Jeremy Dale.

The deal follows the failed takeover attempt from Maxi Lopez and local businessman Paul Richardson which fell through in December Wagner’s takeover will be music to the ears of Blues fans, who have been protesting for over a year for a change of ownership of the club.

But who exactly is the American businessman? Let’s take a look.

Tom Wagner

Wagner is a hedge fund manager and the co-founder and Co-CEO of Knighthead Capital Management, which is a New York-based registered investment adviser founded in 200. The Amercian firm specialises in distressed credit. The company reportedly have assets that are valued at around $9 billion (£7.25bn). He is the co-founder, along with Ara Cohen.

Wagner previously worked for investment banking firm Goldman Sachs. Last year he also led a consortium with NFL star Tom Brady and former tennis champion Kim Clijsters to buy a pickleball team in the US.

A subsidiary of his company Knighthead was set up last month in Birmingham under the name Shelby Companies Limited - a nod to the Peaky Blinders. Wagner is listed at the company director. Blues would represent the American’s first venture into English football.

What has Wagner said about the takeover?

In a letter released on the club’s website on Monday afternoon, Wagner made the following promises to the fans.

Tom Wagner Letter:

“As we prepare to chart a new future for Birmingham City, we wish to make the following commitments to the fans:

1. We want you to be involved in the journey with us. Using the recommendations outlined in the 2021 Fan Led Review, we will create forums so your views and opinions are heard and such decisions made shall take into account the interests of all our stakeholders.
2. The personnel leading the Club will draw on the talented and passionate professionals already in place, with the addition of exceptional leaders who are experienced in managing the successful transformations of football clubs and world leading sporting businesses.
3. Plans will be in place to transform the Club’s fortunes through improved infrastructure and new commercial partnerships. We will also strive to deliver a fan experience that is unmatched, tapping into Birmingham’s unique history and creative dynamism. The first step in the transition is to ensure St. Andrew’s is fit for purpose. The fans, players, and our partners, deserve an improved St. Andrew’s. We plan to work in partnership with the City Council to explore all options available to us to transform our physical infrastructure. Regardless of what the future holds, St. Andrew’s will remain part of our community, and our history.
4. We will focus on increasing revenue through all means available so that we will be able to invest in line with the Championship Profitability and Sustainability rules for our teams on the pitch – both men and women. We plan to put in place the high performance facilities and culture needed for success. Birmingham City will be known as pioneers in the use of sports science, injury prevention and recovery, nutrition, mental well-being, and recruitment.
5. We plan to stay true to, and enhance, the legacy of Birmingham City by helping young local talent flourish and realise their ambitions – on the pitch and through education for careers in the wider world of sport.
6. We understand the Club’s pivotal role for the city, economically, socially and culturally. We plan to be a cornerstone; a positive force in the local community where we operate.

There is no denying that in recent years the Club has experienced many challenges. This does not change the fact, however, that Birmingham City has a rich history. It is part of the social fabric of a great city that is now in the ascendancy, and has the most loyal, resilient, and passionate group of fans in the country.

After the regulatory approvals have been granted, our aim is to put in place the building blocks for success so that the city of Birmingham has a Club, bearing its name, which is globally respected for its performances on the pitch and the positive role it plays in the community. The transition and implementation plans will take time and require your patience, but we believe we will earn your trust and succeed with your support.

We have visited Birmingham on several occasions and been impressed with what we have seen and what is still to come. While I am not yet personally familiar with all the history, customs and terms surrounding the Club, I am learning quickly.”

You can read the letter in full on the club’s website, here.