Hearts: Brighton owner Tony Bloom's £9.86m investment in Scottish Premiership club complete
Brighton owner Tony Bloom has acquired a 29 per cent stake in Hearts; the Tynecastle Park club announced last year they had signed a deal to use his analytics firm; majority owners Foundation of Hearts backed the plans, which was ratified at an Extraordinary General Meeting
Wednesday 25 June 2025 10:44, UK
Brighton owner Tony Bloom insists Hearts can "disrupt the pattern of domination of Scottish football" after his multi-million-pound investment in the club was completed.
His proposal to acquire a 29 per cent stake in the club for £9.86m was put to a vote by the Foundation of Hearts - the supporters group who own the Tynecastle Park outfit.
Shareholders officially approved the investment at an Extraordinary General Meeting last month, with the deal now finalised.
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As part of the investment, Bloom has appointed his consultant James Franks to the board as a non-executive director.
Talks had been ongoing for months for Bloom to personally invest in the club, while Hearts announced a deal with his analytics firm last November.
Hearts used Jamestown Analytics - who also work with Brighton, Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise and Como of Italy - to appoint Neil Critchley, who was sacked earlier this season, and Derek McInnes last week.
The Foundation of Hearts outlined that Hearts will not become part of a "multi-club system", and confirmed they will not become feeder clubs to Brighton or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Bloom: Hearts can disrupt pattern of domination
Following confirmation of the deal, Bloom said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be investing in Hearts. I firmly believe in the club's ability to disrupt the pattern of domination of Scottish football which has been in place for far too long.
"This great club has a bright future and I look forward to seeing that unfold in the months and years ahead. The appointment of James as my representative on the board underlines the importance I attach to my investment in the club. James has been a trusted associate of mine for many years and I believe that his wealth of experience in the football industry and strong business acumen will be a tremendous asset to the board and to the club."
Franks added: "I am honoured to become a board member at Hearts. From my first visit to Tynecastle in March 2024 as the initial step in the investment process, it was obvious to me just how special the club is.
"All of my subsequent visits and my interactions with the management team at the club and with the Foundation of Hearts have strengthened that feeling and I'm proud now to call myself a Jambo. I welcome the opportunity to play my part in an exciting new chapter in the history of this wonderful club."
Last year, Hearts' rivals Hibernian accepted a £6m investment from Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley and the Black Knight Group, for a 25 per cent stake.
The Easter Road club turned down other offers - including takeover bids - before proceeding with Foley.
When asked if some of those options could yet invest in another Scottish Premiership club and potentially prove to be influential, Hibs executive director Ian Gordon told Sky Sports News: "That might happen, but ultimately it's about Hibs and growing Hibs to be the best version of itself.
"Me and my family always have the club's best interests at heart. And when we make these decisions, it's always with Hibs on the front of our mind."
