Bill Foley’s Black Knight Football Club has taken full ownership of French side FC Lorient, becoming the club’s sole shareholder after completing the purchase of the remaining 60 per cent stake.
The investment group, which also owns AFC Bournemouth, had previously held a minority share in Lorient, but confirmed on Wednesday that it has now assumed complete control of the Ligue 1 club.
Despite the change in ownership, Lorient president Loïc Féry will remain in his role, a position he has held since 2009, while also becoming a shareholder within the Black Knight Football Club structure.
The move makes Lorient the second club fully owned by the group, alongside Bournemouth, with Black Knight also holding a majority stake in Portuguese side Moreirense and maintaining partnerships with Auckland FC, Orlando City and Kyoto Sanga.
Black Knight Football Club, led by Foley and backed by Cannae Holdings Inc., acquired Bournemouth in 2022 and has since expanded its multi-club model across several continents.
The relationship between Bournemouth and Lorient has already delivered tangible benefits, particularly in recruitment, with winger Dango Ouattara previously making the move to the south coast from the French club.
That link was strengthened further this month, with Bournemouth completing the signing of highly-rated forward Junior Kroupi from Lorient, underlining the growing sporting connection between the two clubs.
Speaking following the announcement, Foley said the takeover represented the next step in a long-term project focused on collaboration and shared development.
He said the group was “delighted to take the next step with FC Lorient” and highlighted the importance of building an organisation capable of supporting clubs through shared expertise, networks and resources.
Foley also pointed to Lorient’s upcoming centenary as a source of achievement, he said: “It is a great source of pride to contribute to the success. By bringing together people, talent, and networks, we’re building a competitive and attractive enterprise.”
Féry described the agreement as an opportunity to secure stability and ambition during what he characterised as a challenging period for French football.
He said the partnership with Black Knight had already demonstrated its value over the past two years, adding how they have built “synergies that take into account each party’s needs, strengths, and identity.”
Féry also noted the increasingly competitive and financially demanding landscape in Ligue 1, particularly following the league’s reduction to 18 teams, which he said requires clubs to adapt their long-term models.
He added: “My commitment to the group will allow me to influence this strategy by representing the Merlus with the same direction that has driven me for 17 years: securing the club’s place in the elite.”
Lorient currently sit ninth in Ligue 1 and will now look to build on that position under their new ownership structure, as Black Knight continues to expand its presence across European and global football.
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