by League One high-flyers Wrexham have announced the arrival of new minority investors as they continue to benefit from the takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
On 9 February 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney celebrated their takeover of the then National League team after shaking hands with Wrexham Supporters Trust for a fee estimated to be around £2 million.
Since then, the two have invested millions in the club, which was subsequently promoted from the National League to League One. In fact, they currently sit third in England’s third tier after a positive start to the 2024/25 season.
Now it looks like the Red Dragons will be backed by the Allyn family of Skaneateles after they were announced as new minority investors.
For over 100 years, the Allyn Welch family owned Allyn, Inc – a world-renowned medical device company based in Skaneateles, New York.
According to records, Welch Allyn was then sold in 2015 for $2.05 billion MPOand since then, the Allyns have focused their efforts on targeted investments in private and public markets through their family office.
Wrexham released a statement on Wednesday afternoon to confirm the minority stake.
It said: “The investment, made through Red Dragon Ventures LLC, will help drive forward the lofty ambitions of the club and the wider Wrexham community.”
“Red Dragon Ventures is a joint venture between the Allyn family and Wrexham AFC co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, focused on driving growth and success in and around Wrexham.
In a joint statement, Wrexham co-chairs Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds commented on the news.
“Wrexham has captured the world’s attention and we are focused on bringing world-class partners on board to support us in the next phase of our growth. “We were fortunate to meet the Allyn family and are overwhelmed by their intelligence, kindness and commitment,” the couple said.
“They are exactly the kind of partners we need for this great endeavor.”
Photo credit: Getty
Eric Allyn, Manager and Chief Investment Officer of Allyn’s Family Office, spoke about their latest business move.
“For more than a century, our family has focused on building great companies while fostering wonderful communities,” he said. “Our decades-long efforts in the Syracuse region are similar to those that Rob and Ryan started in Wrexham.”
“We view Red Dragon Ventures as a vehicle to invest in a world-class football club and, more importantly, the welcoming community of Wrexham.”
Michael Williamson, Chief Executive of Wrexham AFC, added: “The Allyn family’s investment in Wrexham AFC is great news for both the club and the local community in Wrexham. This will allow us to continue the development of the club whilst supporting the local community, which is what we truly believe in at this club.”
