Belgian tycoon Roland Duchâtelet completes £20m Charlton Athletic takeover

The takeover of Charlton Athletic was completed yesterday when Belgian businessman and politician Roland Duchâtelet saw a deal thought to be worth £20m go through.

Duchâtelet, 67, who also owns Belgian club Standard Liège, has ended months of uncertainty surrounding the Championship side who play Oxford in the FA Cup today. His arrival is likely to mean the manager, Chris Powell, will have money to invest in the transfer window.

The electronics tycoon is estimated to be worth £418m and is a high-profile figure in Belgium, where he founded the Open Vld (Flemish Liberals and Democrats) party.

Richard Murray, who will remain on the Charlton board as non-executive chairman, said: “I look forward to continue to represent the club that has been my passion for many years. Charlton can benefit from Roland’s network in many ways, like finding suitable players to strengthen the squad.” Outgoing chairman Michael Slater will step down from the board along with Tony Jimenez and Martin Prothero.