Collective of regional entrepreneurs intent on taking majority of Vitesse shares | OneFootball

Vitesse are in talks with a collective of regional entrepreneurs about the complete takeover of all shares. The so-called ‘Sterkhouders’ saved the Arnhem club from ruin last year. The KNVB licensing committee have been informed about the developments.

Vitesse announced in a statement on the club website that the plans are in the ‘final phase’. This would mean that the five current foreign owners would make way. Dane Murphy recently did so, with the American leaving for Charlton Athletic. If there is no hitch, the licensing committee can expect a request for a change of authority.

With a financial injection, Sterkhouders prevented Vitesse’s demise last year. The Club website reads:

“In the 2024-2025 season, Vitesse was kept alive by the Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem Foundation. This large group of local entrepreneurs managed to close the budget deficit with a loan to the club. This solution was approved by the KNVB licensing committee, thus securing the club’s license.

“Now, a select group of local entrepreneurs are further uniting in a private limited company. If the KNVB licensing committee, after the agreement between the Sterkhouders and the current shareholders, also gives its approval, the Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem will become the sole holder of all shares in Vitesse. This will bring the ownership of the club back home and allow Vitesse to build a stable and healthy future with a clean slate.”

Vitesse speak of a ‘positive development’, but also report that the licensing committee must determine whether this is enough to take the next step towards retaining the professional license.

Vitesse has announced that it has submitted a current budget to the KNVB, but it appears that it has not yet been finalised. According to Vitesse, the coming weeks will be entirely focused on maintaining the license.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield