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Belgian completes Charlton takeover

Charlton Athletic, from England`s second-tier Championship, on Friday confirmed they had been taken over by Belgian entrepreneur Roland Duchatelet.

London: Charlton Athletic, from England`s second-tier Championship, on Friday confirmed they had been taken over by Belgian entrepreneur Roland Duchatelet.
The 67-year-old`s company, Staprix NV, will acquire 100 percent of the shares in the club, subject to final legal formalities. Duchatelet has interests in several European clubs, including Standard Liege in his homeland, who he took over in 2011. A high-profile tycoon who made his fortune in electronics, Duchatelet is also involved in politics in Belgium. His takeover of the South London club comes after the collapse of a bid by American businessman Josh Harris, the owner of NBA side Philadelphia 76ers. "Now is the time to pass the baton to Roland, who has a proven track record of success in business and football," said outgoing Charlton chairman Michael Slater. "We believe we have found an investor with extensive knowledge of football who is well placed to stabilize the club in the Championship and help the club to develop on a sensible commercial basis." Charlton, who played in the top flight between 2000 and 2007, are currently just three points clear of the Championship relegation zone.