Southampton have announced the partnership with Jisheng Gao, confirming that the Chinese businessman completed a multimillion-pound takeover of the club.
Southampton owner Katharina Liebherr confirmed the deal had been completed in a statement released to Southampton supporters on Monday.
Her statement said: “I am pleased to confirm that talks to bring in a new partner to our club have been concluded.
“Following extensive and fruitful work, we are entering into a partnership with the Gao family and I am excited about what we will achieve together.
“Today is the start of a new and exciting chapter for our club. Mr. Jisheng Gao and his daughter, Mrs. Nelly Gao, with whom I have built a close relationship, share our values and ambitions. As a team, we will strive to build upon the strong foundation that is in place towards sustainable long-term success.”
The deal ends more than 12 months of talks between the Gao family and the English south coast club. Gao has acquired an 80% stake for around £210m after successfully passing the relevant checks, including the Premier League’s owners and directors test.