Ed Sheeran buys minority stake in Ipswich Town - and celebrates with tractor ride
Ed Sheeran has recently invested in Ipswich Town, purchasing a 1.4% ownership stake in the football club.
The artist, who has been supporting the team by sponsoring their jerseys since 2021, has agreed to invest as a silent partner and will not be joining the board of directors, as confirmed by the football club.
However, as a part of the agreement, Sheeran will also enjoy benefits like having his own customized executive box at the team's Portman Road stadium for an extended period of time.
This happens right before the Tractor Boys make their comeback to the Premier League this weekend following a 22-year break.
The celebrity also shared news of the agreement by posting a video on Instagram. In the video, he is seen happily driving a tractor through a field.
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Earlier this year, a private equity firm from the US purchased a 44% ownership in the club for a disclosed amount of £105 million. This transaction could indicate that the singer's ownership stake might be valued at over £2 million.
Sheeran, who was raised in the nearby town of Framlingham and has always been a big fan of the Suffolk club, expressed his enthusiasm for the decision. He mentioned that he was "extremely thrilled" by the move.
He said: "For any soccer enthusiast, it's a dream come true to own the team they cheer for, and I am incredibly thankful for this chance."
Being a supporter of Ipswich Town brings so much happiness. Even though there are good times and bad times, that's just the nature of football. It's about experiencing the thrills and the disappointments.
"I am not a voting shareholder or a member of the board, I am simply a fan who is investing money into the club I adore, and in return, they are showing their appreciation. Please refrain from giving me advice on player signings or tactical decisions."
'Club celebrates a day of achievement'
The singer's ongoing Mathematics world tour logo has been proudly displayed on Ipswich's jerseys as they quickly climbed the ranks under the leadership of Northern Irish coach Kieran McKenna.
Ever since McKenna stepped into his first high-level management position, he has successfully guided Ipswich to two consecutive promotions, moving them up from League One to the Championship and then to the Premier League.
After the team was promoted this year without needing to play in a playoff, Sheeran surprised them with a special concert and celebration. It was recently announced that Sheeran also had a hand in designing the team's new third kit, which features the unique color "Suffolk pink."
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The singer obtained his ownership stake in the club through the majority shareholder Gamechanger 20 Ltd, which is an American investment group.
The chairman and CEO of Ipswich Town, Mark Ashton, expressed his immense pride for the football club on this day.
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The help that Ed and his team have given us in the past three years has been truly impressive. His decision to invest in the club now feels like the next step in our partnership.
He said, "It is truly remarkable that a top artist is willing to spend so much time with us and help the club gain international attention without asking for much in return. This special relationship is a testament to what makes it so unique."
