Abu Dhabi group buys remaining City shares

Manchester City yesterday became a company fully owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) after the club's owner Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, completed a 100 per cent buyout of the English Premier League side.

Through ADUG last year, Shaikh Mansour took control of the club from their previous owner, former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

It was then agreed that Shinawatra would retain a 10 per cent stake in the club, but City yesterday confirmed that Shaikh Mansour had gained total control after buying out the remaining 10 per cent for an "undisclosed sum."

"As a result of the transaction, Manchester City is now 100 per cent owned by Shaikh Mansour," a club statement said.

The club had already spent over £120 million (Dh723.8 million) on beefing up their starting line-up this season with the summer transfer window witnessing many top names like Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz donning City's light blue colours.

City also bought Brazil striker Robinho for a British record breaking fee of £32.5 million last season.

On their website the club added: "Manchester City can confirm that a transaction involving 100 per cent of the shares of Manchester City Football Club Limited has been completed."