Canadian investment firm to acquire controlling interest in Lancaster City

A Canadian investment firm is set to acquire a controlling interest in Lancaster City Football Club, it has been announced.

Toronto based Go North Ventures Inc. will invest money into the club over a two year period, with initial funding already given to the Dolly Blues.

Go North Ventures Inc. is a Toronto-based investment company founded by Alex Shteriev, a mergers and acquisitions advisor for more than fifteen years, and a co-founder of Beacon Advisors, a leading boutique M&A firm operating across North America.

The company invest in a range of businesses and institutions, and Lancaster City FC is its first investment in professional sport.

The club say a phased investment structure is deliberate in order to introduce capital into the club in step, rather than all at once, in order to give shareholders and supporters visibility of progress at every stage.

Lancaster City will remain a Lancaster club, at the Giant Axe, under the same name, crest and colours it has carried since 1911.

In addition, every senior figure currently running Lancaster City FC will remain in place, including Andy Baker as Chairman, Amy Evans as Finance Director, and Jimmy Marshall remains First Team Manager, who is currently under contract to the end of the 2027/28 season.

Alex Shteriev (pictured below), President, Go North Ventures Inc. said: ‘’It is this formidable team of individuals that has been managing the club, combined with the city’s rich history and incredible hospitality, that drew me to invest in Lancaster City FC.''

‘’It has been nothing short of incredible the reception we’ve had by the community, club and the city to both myself, my wife, and kids. I believe that together we can make this a real success story and one that resonates not only with football fans, but with anyone who loves to root for the underdog.”

Andy Baker, Chairman, and Amy Evans, Finance Director, added: ‘’We are delighted to welcome Alex and Go North Ventures to Lancaster City FC.

‘’For us, the most important thing about this investment is that it builds on the work that has already been done at the club. Alex’s approach has been particularly important to us.

‘’He understands that this is a football club first and foremost, and that sustainable progress comes from working with the people who know the club, its supporters and its community. We are excited about what we can achieve together commercially, operationally and on the pitch, while remaining true to what makes Lancaster City special.

‘’We look forward to working closely with Alex, Go North Ventures, Jimmy and his football staff, our supporters and the wider Lancaster community as we begin this next chapter for the Dolly Blues.”

The company said while they would focus on developing commercial partnerships, facilities and infrastructure at the Giant Axe, they would also ensure investment across every team at the club, including women’s, youth and junior sides alongside the first team, with the ambition to compete for promotion from the Northern Premier League Premier Division, while building the commercial and structural foundations that would allow it to sustain a higher level.