US firm to take majority stake at Hibernians FC

A US firm that owns Italian Serie B club Cesena is to acquire a majority stake in Hibernians FC following a unanimous vote by club members.

The vote will see Hibernians turned into a Sport Limited Liability Company, with Sunday Ventures as its majority shareholder.

Sunday Ventures, led by chairman Mike Melby, will take control of the historic Maltese football club while Ranier Bezzina will have a significant minority shareholding. The remaining 10 per cent of the club will be owned by the Members’ Foundation as requested by law.

The vote was taken at the club’s annual general meeting at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

Sunday Ventures (SV) is an American sports-focused holding company with majority ownership of Italian Serie B side Cesena and involvement in the privatisation of Brazilian Serie B club Avaí FC (Brazilian Serie B) – the club that produced global stars including Barcelona’s Raphinha and Arsenal’s Gabriel.

Sunday Ventures is also pursuing a majority stake in a premier Scandinavian club.

In a statement, Hibernians FC said that the Bezzina family, who have guided the Paola club with dedication for almost 50 years will remain an integral part of the club’s future.

“Ranier Bezzina continues as club president, ensuring the continuity of family stewardship and the deep connection with Hibernians that our supporters know and cherish,” the statement said.

“Mike Melby, chairman of Sunday Ventures, will serve as club chairman, supported by his operating advisor Emiliano Salvarezza – former General Manager of Sampdoria – who will work closely day-to-day with president Bezzina and the team on the ground in Paola.”

Melby made it clear that their investment in Hibernians FC is aimed at building something meaningful.

“Hibernians FC fits our multi-club ownership strategy perfectly, and we look forward to it being our first club competing in UEFA competitions,” Melby said.

“We are here for the long haul, and we will start building a resilient project — not made of quick wins, but aimed at building something meaningful, global and sustainable.”

On his part, Ranier Bezzina said that the initiative is aimed at opening a new pathway for talent at Hibernians FC.

“This is a historic moment not only for our club but also for Maltese football as we become the first member of a Multi-Club Ownership structure. This will provide a multi-way pathway for talent in which Hibernians will play a central role,” Bezzina said.

President Bezzina also extended his sincere gratitude to Malta Premier League Chairman Joseph Muscat, whose contribution was crucial in securing this agreement, as well as to MPL CEO Alan Abela, MFA senior vice president Matthew Paris, and lawyer Jason Azzopardi for their invaluable support throughout this process.

Hibernians said that the closing of the deal is expected to happen in the coming weeks, as the club prepares with excitement for the season ahead.