The billionaire owners of Premier League side Bournemouth are closing in on a takeover of Exeter Chiefs.<\/p>\n
It was revealed last week<\/a> that an American consortium were on the verge of securing a major stake in the Prem club, with Exeter members set to vote in an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in May.<\/p>\n It understood the group are Black Knight Football Club, who acquired Bournemouth at the end of 2022<\/a> and have stakes in Hibernian and French club FC Lorient as well as owning Auckland FC.<\/p>\n If the deal goes through, Exeter will be latest Prem club to secure major new investment.<\/p>\n Last August energy drinks giant Red Bull bought Newcastle, while Bath have been boosted by businessman James Dyson taking a 50% stake in the Prem champions.<\/p>\n Senior sources in the English game have indicated to the BBC other clubs are also of interest to external investors as the league looks to launch a new era following the decision to ring-fence the top flight and revamp standards on and off the field.<\/p>\n Black Knight board member Ryan Caswell was a guest of Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe at Saturday’s thrilling 35-28 defeat by Northampton<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rowe, whose businesses have propped up Exeter for the best part of three decades, has been open about his desire to seek fresh investment in the club.<\/p>\n