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Castleford Tigers takeover terms agreed as Martin Jepson makes ‘excellence’ promise

Castleford Tigers' Wheldon Road

Castleford Tigers have announced that Martin Jepson has agreed the terms of an option agreement to purchase the shares owned by the Fultons.

Jepson has been a shareholder at Wheldon Road since December 2023 when the lifelong supporter of the club took up a 32 per cent stake in the club and a place on the board. However, Jepson has now agreed takeover terms with Ian and Janet Fulton, with the agreement to be triggered on or before January 31 2025. The deal will see Jepson take on full ownership at the club and he’ll immediately get started on a restructure of the board.

A statement released by the club insists that Jepson is willing to talk to interested parties to invest and join him in the Tigers’ boardroom as he looks to take the club to the next step. Jepson runs Ergo Real Estate, which had been a sponsor of the Tigers prior to his involvement.

The Fulton family have been on the board at Castleford for over 30 years, but Ian will now step down as chairman.

Jepson is quoted as saying in the Castleford Tigers statement: “I am thrilled to have concluded this agreement which will allow me to attract new, like-minded investors to the club. I have been a lifelong fan, and it is my ambition to take the club and its fans on a journey of success and to replicate former glories.

“With the news on this agreement, the expectation of a strong grading under the IMG system, the signing of the S106 Axiom agreement for the new stand development and recent investment from Wakefield Councils Rugby League Resilience Fund, the future looks good for the club. I couldn’t be more excited about the future ahead and I am totally committed to both the club and its fans and giving 100% to this project. When I joined the board, I said that I wanted to secure the club’s immediate future under the IMG regime and bring long-term stability and that will remain the focus.”

“Castleford Tigers means so much to me and the community and I will never take the fans’ loyalty or support for granted. The fans have been starved of real success in recent years and I will do everything in my power to deliver excellence on the playing field and improved fan engagement at all times. ”

“There is lots of work to be done, starting immediately, and I recognise that I cannot do it all on my own. I have always said that we would be open into new investment into the club and would welcome the opportunity to speak to any individuals interested in joining me on this journey to help realise our collective ambition.”

The departing Ian Fulton added: “Cas has been a large part of myself and my family’s life for many years not only as a director and chairman but as a fan.”

“My late parents supported the club over many years and like them l have continued this for the last 10 years”.

“It has been no secret that the club was always open for new investors and with Martin Jepson’s involvement and investment the time is now right for myself and family to pass the club on .

“Martin brings a wealth of experience in business and a passion to drive the club forward and I wish him every success in doing so and I’m sure as fans you will support him.”

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