Patel completes West Bromwich Albion takeover

Shilen Patel has completed the takeover of Championship club West Brom from Chinese businessman Guochuan Lai.

Bilkul Football WBA - a company owned by Florida-based entrepreneur Patel and his father Kiran Patel - has acquired an 87.8% shareholding.

"I am humbled to become the new custodian of West Bromwich Albion," Shilen Patel said.

The takeover, approved by the English Football League earlier in February, was confirmed on Wednesday.

Albion are well placed in the battle for a Championship play-off place, lying fifth under head coach Carlos Corberan - 16 points off an automatic promotion place, but with a four-point cushion on the chasing pack.

"Today marks the beginning of an exciting project for the club to regain its standing as a consistent Premier League presence," Patel added.

"Success does not occur overnight, but it is my ambition to build on the club's current and historical strengths and surround West Bromwich Albion with high quality stakeholders at home and globally.

"I am also fortunate to be inheriting and continuing the great work of The Albion Foundation at home and abroad.

"I am in awe of the opportunity to help write the next chapter in Baggies history and am committed to being a responsible, respectful, and effective steward of the club."

More to follow.