American businessman Tim Leiweke has acquired a minority stake in Bolton Wanderers alongside Francesca Bodie, the president of Italian Serie A club Venezia. The investment, made through their newly formed company Entrepreneur Equity Partners, comes weeks after the duo were reportedly prevented from purchasing shares in Portuguese side Benfica.
Leiweke, who invested €100 million in Venezia during May 2026, has established the partnership with Bodie and former OVG executive Keegan McDonald to facilitate the Bolton deal. The move creates a multi-club structure linking the Venetian outfit with the Lancashire side, who secured promotion to the Championship via the play-offs last season.
Benfica rejection redirects investment
According to The Athletic, Leiweke had attempted to purchase a 16 per cent stake in Benfica, but the Portuguese club’s board rejected the proposal. The directors reportedly opposed the involvement of a multi-club ownership group, a stance that ultimately redirected Leiweke’s investment focus to English football.
Venezia portfolio and Bolton revival
Leiweke’s involvement in Venezia began with his substantial €100m investment earlier this year, which coincided with the club’s return to Italy’s top flight. Bodie, his daughter, was installed as president of the Serie A side, which also counts Canadian rapper Drake among its co-owners since 2024.
Bolton represent a different challenge. The Greater Manchester club stood on the brink of bankruptcy in 2019 but has since stabilised under current ownership. Their recent promotion from League One through the play-offs marks a significant recovery, offering Leiweke’s group a platform in the second tier.
Leiweke expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We will be bringing the best of what we have learnt as partners to many leading global teams to make Bolton Wanderers stronger than ever before. We are proud to join at this stage of this club’s incredible journey.”
The investment marks a notable addition to Bolton’s ownership structure as they prepare for Championship football, while further expanding Leiweke’s European network beyond Italy.