London Wasps: Ken Moss consortium completes takeover
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
London Wasps have announced that a consortium including ex-player Ken Moss has finalised its takeover.
The High Wycombe-based outfit had been looking for a new owner since Steve Hayes announced he intended to sell the club last October.
And after contracts were exchanged in June, the consortium has purchased Hayes' shares to take full ownership.
A new board of directors are to be put in place, but Mark Rigby will continue in his role as Wasps' chairman.
The takeover of the five-time English champions had been expected to be completed in mid-July, shortly after the exchange of contracts between the two parties.
However, a number of financial stumbling blocks meant that a finalised deal for the Adams Park side was delayed until Friday's announcement.
Rigby told the club website: "We are delighted to confirm the completion of the sale process following the agreement of terms in recent months.
"It has undoubtedly been a lengthy process and there have been some complex financial issues involved, but we are pleased that the situation finally has been resolved."
Under the new owners, the club will continue to share Adams Park with Wycombe Wanderers, the football club that Hayes also owned until June this year, for the foreseeable future.
However, the consortium has previously shown a desire to transform the structure of the Premiership side, which includes the development of a new stadium for the club.
The ownership of the former Heineken Cup winners had been in doubt when Hayes announced his intention to sell, after plans to build a new stadium were rejected by Buckinghamshire Council.
Off-the-field uncertainties reflected in the performance level on the pitch, and the club faced the possibility of relegation last season.
However, avoiding defeat by 24 points against Newcastle on the final day (irrespective of their losing bonus point) ensured it was the Falcons who dropped into the Premiership.
Following news of the takeover's completion, Rigby sought to praise out-going owner Hayes for his three-year guidance of Wasps.
"I would like to thank Steve for his financial support over the last few years which shouldn't be underestimated," he said.
"Under his ownership, the club sought to be innovative off the pitch with the development of the St George's Day brand and in taking the first English domestic competitive game overseas."
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Actually, it'll be nice to move to a stadium that is big enough for us.
As for your supporters trust, good luck folks you'll need it.
It's not like we want to be there buddy!!!! Just the best situation that was available at the time.
We'll be gone as soon as we can.
Then next up is a new stadium, I would prefer to see the club stay in the Bucks area, they're a great community asset and they are established here, but whatever they decide to do with the club it has to be a permanent move.
I doubt Wycombe Wonderers would exist if Wasps hadn't supported their finances and I'm sure they'll go to the wall pretty quickly. Your very nasty attitude is all too typical of some in the area and reflects very badly on Wycombe. Happily. though your type are vocal, you are very rare.
Always have a great affection for Wasps after the HEC semi in '04.
They had a great team, and meet some great fans that day in LR.
Hope the club can get a stadium in the heart of it's community, it can make a big difference.
Next step a brand new stadium. I just wish that the World Cup money rather than going to the IRB went to fund projects that would get those clubs reliant on sharing grounds into their on purpose build stadiums.
The losing bonus point against Bath came on the penultimate weekend.
The losing bonus against Newcastle was not actually relevant – but that is because the Falcons failed to win by more than 24 points and thus would have gone down on points difference anyway.
Complicated!
Also BBC find a fact checker it was the bonus point against Newcastle that kept Wasps up.