Premier League: Manchester City acquire 80% of Australian club Melbourne Heart FC

A consortium led by Manchester City FC (Premier League) has acquired Melbourne Heart FC in the A-League (AUS) effective immediately, the club announced on the 22/01/2014. Manchester City will now own 80% of the club. The consortium also includes the ownership group of the National Rugby League (NRL, AUS) club Melbourne Storm as minority shareholders with a 20% stake.

"We are excited about the opportunity to make Melbourne Heart one of the most successful football clubs in Australia and throughout the region," said Ferran Soriano, CEO of Manchester City.

"The first thing we must do is take the time to listen and learn and then to develop our strategy for strengthening the club [Melbourne Heart] over time,” Soriano continued. Out of respect for the coaching staff and the players in the middle of the A-League season, the new ownership group will not be making any major announcements until mid 2014 and the end of the 2013-14 season (on the 04/05/2014).

• Melbourne Heart FC (AUS) become the second sister club of Manchester City.
• Manchester City FC also own New York City FC in a joint…