Brentford FC and Bees United, Brentford FC’s official supporters’ trust, would like to provide an important update regarding changes to the club’s ownership structure.

These changes are designed to modernise our governance framework while safeguarding the rights and oversight of Bees United.

This decision reflects the club’s commitment to fan engagement, securing the foundations that have supported its recent progress and ensures that Brentford FC is well-positioned for sustainable growth and future investment opportunities.

What is changing?

Matthew Benham will be transferring his shares in Brentford FC to a newly formed holding company, subject to the approval of the Premier League.

As part of this process, the Special Share that is currently held by Bees United will be replaced by a Protective Rights Deed. This will be a legally binding deed confirming the rights that Bees United have, via the Special Share, in relation to the ability to veto any proposed sale of the club’s stadium and, uniquely amongst Premier League clubs, to appoint a fan to the club Board.

Matthew Benham remains personally committed to honouring these protections. Should his ownership stake fall below 75 per cent, any future owners will be required to enter into the same deed to ensure Bees United’s rights are maintained.

By structuring the ownership in this way, Bees United’s rights will remain directly tied to the club itself and not the holding company. These rights will be legally enforceable against both the current and any future owners of Brentford FC.

In short, Bees United's rights remain legally intact, but just secured and protected through a different means.

Why the change?

This restructuring has been part of a long-term plan to modernise Brentford FC’s ownership model.

Transitioning to a holding company structure provides greater flexibility and will better position the club to seize future opportunities for growth, whether that be strengthening its standing in the Premier League or exploring ventures that will benefit the club in the long term.

In addition, as a father and a husband, Matthew Benham is planning for the future, for the club and also for his family. This restructure reflects his desire to provide long-term security for both. It simplifies important legal and financial processes, ensuring that his family’s interests are protected while also safeguarding the club’s future, no matter what lies ahead.

For these reasons, Bees United was approached with a request for its support on this restructure - a request which the board of Bees United accepted after satisfying itself that, ultimately, this change would not impact the rights that Bees United hold, with independent legal advice provided to Bees United by Andrew Thornton, KC.

A personal commitment from Matthew Benham

Matthew Benham understands that change can often bring uncertainty and has reaffirmed that this decision comes from a place of deep care for the club, the fans, and his family.

Brentford FC remains a central part of his life, and every decision made is driven by his commitment to ensure that the club thrives and remains a source of pride for its supporters.

As the club moves forward, Matthew Benham remains fully committed to ensuring Brentford FC’s future, securing both the club’s and his family’s legacy.

Security for the future

Cliff Crown, chair of Brentford FC, said: “This transition strengthens the club’s ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the Premier League and beyond.

"It also provides Matthew’s family with the benefits of a more conventional ownership structure. It will allow Brentford FC to grow responsibly, remain competitive at the highest level, and ensure that Bees United’s role as a guardian of the club’s future remains secure for generations to come.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Bees United for their invaluable contribution and ongoing support of this decision. We also thank our supporters for their passion, loyalty, and continued backing.”

Stuart Hatcher, chair of Bees United, added: “Bees United was initially created to save the club and then, when Matthew acquired the club, became the custodian of rights to protect the stadium and to represent the fans’ voice on the board.

“We recognise everything Matthew has done for the club and, having determined that Bees United's rights remain intact and that the right safeguards remain in place for the club and the fans, we were happy to support his request.

“We believe that this restructure brings strategic benefits to the club, creating opportunities for the future while maintaining the values and protections that matter to our supporters."