FRP Corporate Finance has advised South Shields FC on the sale of a majority stake to an international investor consortium, securing long-term backing for the North East football club.

The transaction sees an investor group backed by ORY Investment Holdings acquire a majority shareholding in the club. Geoff Thompson, who has chaired the club since 2015 and overseen three promotions, will remain in position as chairman and a significant shareholder.

Founded in 1888, South Shields FC plays its home matches at Mariners Park. The club has undergone an operational transformation in recent years, funding stadium infrastructure improvements and expanding its charitable foundation to deliver community and school programmes. It has also established an academy system and secured international partnerships in the United States and Asia.

FRP Corporate Finance’s Newcastle team was appointed by the club to explore ownership options, building on an advisory relationship between Mr Thompson and FRP partner Phil Williams, who was supported by associate director Graham Brown. The team managed a global search process involving discussions with potential investors from the UK and overseas.

The new ownership group is anchored by ORY Investment Holdings and led by Jason Ye. The consortium brings together investors from the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore with experience across capital markets and business investment.

Phil Williams, partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “From the outset our priority was to find the right long-term custodian for South Shields FC. The club has a strong identity and a deep connection with its supporters, so it was important that any investor group shared this ambition while respecting what makes the club special.

“ORY and the wider consortium showed real commitment throughout the process, taking time to understand the club’s heritage and its priorities for the future. It has been a privilege to support on a transaction that marks a new chapter for a club of such importance to its local community.”

Geoff Thompson, chairman of South Shields FC, said: “The past decade has been transformative for the club, with three consecutive promotions and expanding our reach into the community. We plan to build on this momentum by developing a sustainable football club that can continue to progress on the pitch while delivering lasting benefits for our supporters and the wider area.

“This investment gives us a strong platform to do just that, bringing in partners with the experience to support our continued development while keeping the club at the heart of the community. We look forward to working with ORY and the wider consortium to make that ambition a reality and represent North East grass roots football on a global stage.”

Jason Ye, speaking on behalf of ORY Investment Holdings, said: “It is a privilege to join an organisation that embodies such a rich heritage, strong community spirit, and a location at the heart of one of the world’s most prolific regions for football talent. We know there’s plenty of hard work ahead, but we’re fully committed to building on the fantastic foundation Geoff and the team have already created.

“We truly believe SSFC can grow into a strong force both on and off the pitch. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Geoff for welcoming our group into the SSFC family, and we’re looking forward to meeting the fans and sharing this journey together.”

The transaction received formal approval from The Football Association and the National League, with the new ownership structure taking effect on 29 May 2026. Legal support for the vendor was provided by Mark Lazenby and Declan Fahey of Square One Law.