The English football club, Reading FC, have officially announced the completion of a significant ownership change, with US-based firm Redwood Holdings Limited acquiring 100% of the club’s shareholding.
The deal, which has received final clearance from the English Football League (EFL), brings to an end the challenging tenure of former owner Dai Yongge.
Redwood Holdings, a subsidiary of New Orleans-based Dogwood LLC, is owned by American businessmen Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair. The acquisition grants them full control of the League One club, including key assets such as the Select Car Leasing Stadium and the Bearwood Park Training Ground.
Both Mr. Couhig and Mr. Trosclair will immediately join the Reading FC board of directors, with Rob Couhig stepping into the role of club chairman.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, the club expressed its pleasure at the acquisition’s completion, highlighting Redwood Holdings’ stated ambition and dedication to guiding Reading back up the English football pyramid. The club emphasised that this pursuit will be underpinned by clear principles of honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability.
The completion of the takeover marks the end of a turbulent period for the Royals under the ownership of Dai Yongge. His tenure since 2017 was significantly impacted by considerable financial instability, resulting in multiple points deductions levied by the EFL and transfer embargoes. This culminated in Mr. Dai’s disqualification under the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test earlier this year (February 2025), which necessitated the ownership change. The men’s first team has faced an 18-point deduction total during this time, while the women’s team has unfortunately dropped four tiers.
Rob Couhig brings valuable prior experience in English football ownership, having previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, where the club achieved promotion to the Championship during his period in charge. He is also known for his ownership of the New Orleans Zephyrs baseball team. Todd Trosclair is the owner of All Star Electric and holds diverse investment interests spanning the real estate and hospitality sectors.
The completed transaction follows a period of previous negotiation and uncertainty surrounding the club’s future. Final clearance from the EFL was a critical step that allowed the acquisition to proceed.
The news of the takeover has been overwhelmingly welcomed by Reading FC supporters, who had long campaigned for a change in ownership amidst the club’s financial struggles and the precariousness of its situation.
