Development Holding Company to buy 70% of Slough Town FC owner

Development Holding Company has signed a binding deal to acquire a 70% stake in A23 Football Group Limited, the company behind Slough Town Football Club. The phased, three-year transaction has already cleared regulatory and football authority approvals and is meant to support the club’s long-term sporting and community plans.

Why it matters: - Development Holding Company is moving deeper into international sports with a majority investment in a historic English football club. - The deal is designed to back Slough Town FC’s long-term push on sustainability, player development, fan experience and community growth. - The transaction links a Kuwait-based investment group with a club that wants capital, commercial support and a broader platform for expansion.

What happened: - Development Holding Company signed a binding agreement to acquire a 70% shareholding in A23 Football Group Limited, the ownership company of Slough Town Football Club. - The acquisition will happen in phases over three years, with Development Holding Company’s stake increasing progressively to 70%. - The transaction has received all applicable regulatory and football authority approvals. - The announcement was made in London on Oct. 26, 2026.

The details: - Development Holding Company is a Kuwait-based diversified investment group and public holding company focused on building and scaling high-potential businesses. - Slough Town FC, founded in 1890 and known as “The Rebels,” is one of English non-league football’s historic community clubs. - The club has competed at the highest level of non-league football, reached memorable FA Cup campaigns and appeared at Wembley Stadium in the 1973 FA Amateur Cup Final. - Slough Town’s current strategy centers on four pillars: sustainability, talent, fan experience and community. - The club is strengthening its academy and player development pathways. - The club is also expanding women’s, youth and community football. - Talal Al Ajmi, founder and chairman of Development Holding Company, said football has always been a personal passion and that he sees major potential in the global sports industry. - Al Ajmi said Development Holding Company views Slough Town FC as a compelling opportunity because of its supporter base, community identity and location in a UK town with economic and social potential. - Al Ajmi said the investment approach will emphasize responsible, long-term development while preserving the club’s identity and heritage. - Ashley Smith, CEO of Slough Town FC, said the club has made significant progress since the group took over in 2023, including improvements to the sporting venue, community presence and academy structure.

Between the lines: - The structure of the deal suggests Development Holding Company wants gradual control rather than a fast takeover. - The club appears to be positioning itself for growth without abandoning its local identity, which is often central to lower-league football support. - The emphasis on women’s, youth and community programs points to a broader business model than matchday results alone.

What's next: - Development Holding Company will increase its ownership stake over the next three years under the phased transaction. - Slough Town FC is expected to continue building out its sporting, academy and community programs under the club’s current strategic framework. - The parties have not disclosed financial terms in the announcement.

The bottom line: - Development Holding Company is betting that Slough Town FC can be both a community asset and a scalable sports investment.