Tony Bloom Completes Hearts Share Acquisition

Tony Bloom has said Hearts can "disrupt the pattern of domination which has been in place for far too long" in Scottish football following completion of a £9.86m deal to buy a 29% stake in the Edinburgh club.

Hearts' fan-led majority shareholder group voted in favour of the offer from the Brighton and Hove Albion owner last month.

The Tynecastle club already had a formal relationship with Bloom's company Jamestown Analytics for recruitment.

James Franks, who has worked as part of Bloom's other ventures at Belgium's Union Saint-Gilloise and Australia's Melbourne Victory, will represent the businessman on Hearts' board as a non-executive director.

Chief executive Andrew McKinlay says news of Bloom's investment has "captured the imaginations of our supporters".

"I am absolutely thrilled to be investing in Hearts," said Bloom. "This great club has a bright future and I look forward to seeing that unfold.

"The appointment of James as my representative underlines the importance I attach to my investment in the club.

"James has been a trusted associate of mine for many years and I believe that his wealth of experience in the football industry and strong business acumen will be a tremendous asset to the board and to the club."

Bloom has purchased non-voting rights shares, which will not impact the 75.1% voting rights held by the Foundation of Hearts.

Hearts finished last season seventh in the Scottish Premiership and have appointed Derek McInnes as their new manager.

They open the season at home to Dunfermline Athletic in the League Cup on 12 July.