Brentford FC has announced that it has strengthened its ownership base with additional investment and the appointment of two new directors to the board of its holding company, Best Intentions Analytics Limited.
Prakash Melwani, a longtime senior executive at Blackstone, and Sir Lucian Grainge CBE, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, have joined the board of Best Intentions Analytics, which serves as the holding company for Brentford FC and Mérida AD. They join existing investors Gary Lubner and Sir Matthew Vaughn, whose respective companies have each increased their minority shareholdings in the ownership group.
Matthew Benham remains the majority owner of Brentford FC, having taken full control of the club in 2012. Gary Lubner and Sir Matthew Vaughn initially became minority shareholders in July 2025 through their companies This Day Sports and Media Limited and MARV Bee Limited.
The increased investment reinforces the group’s commitment to supporting Brentford’s continued growth on and off the pitch. The expanded ownership base brings experience across finance, music, and entertainment, with the club highlighting the potential for enhanced commercial opportunities as it continues to compete in the Premier League.
In February 2025, Benham transferred his shares in Brentford into the newly formed holding company, Best Intentions Analytics. The new ownership structure has enabled the club to pursue additional investment opportunities.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are delighted to appoint Prakash and Lucian to the BIA Board. They bring decades of experience from industries that will support the club’s ambitions as we continue to challenge and thrive in the Premier League. Gary Lubner and Matthew Vaughn have been aligned with Matthew Benham’s vision for the club and our values since they first became shareholders of Brentford. They provide valuable support to our off-pitch commercial and community growth and together with our new investors, we have an outstanding blend of people and expertise in place to help us keep moving forward.”
Jon Varney, BIA Board Chair And Brentford FC Chief Executive
“I have long admired Brentford’s progress under the direction of Matthew Benham and his executive leadership team. I am excited to join the ownership group and being part of the club’s future growth. Brentford is committed to positively engaging with its community to provide support to those who need it most via programmes delivered by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.”
Prakash Melwani, Board Member Of Best Intentions Analytics
“Brentford stands for more than just football excellence. Its commitment to community, integrity, and social progress reflects principles that matter most to me and I am proud to deepen my support for a club where meaningful social impact is regarded as equally important as sporting success. The extraordinary community impact of Brentford FC, which changes lives every day across west London, exemplifies how the club prioritises long-term outcomes by creating resilience and value beyond matchday performance, and I am delighted to welcome our new directors and investors to help grow and develop this vital initiative.”
Gary Lubner, Minority Shareholder Of Brentford FC
“When Gary and I closed our first round of investment, we knew we were on to something good. And six months on, that’s proving to be true with a competitive squad, a brilliant head coach and an off-pitch team that’s second to none. It’s a privilege to be part of the Brentford family.”
Sir Matthew Vaughn, Minority Shareholder Of Brentford FC
