Britannia Metals becomes a shareholder in Rochdale Hornets

Hornets player Connor Ratcliffe (left) and captain Duane Straugheir (right) with Jason Wilson (centre)

Rochdale Hornets has announced that local firm Britannia Metals Ltd has purchased shares in the club, meaning the company now owns a 10% shareholding.

Britannia Metals is based in Rochdale and is part of the Smith Metals Group which is wholly owned by the Wilson family.

The shares were purchased as a share issue which means the money paid has been invested into the club.

Speaking about the news, Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “Carl Halstead and I have been talking to Jason Wilson of Britannia Metals for some time, and we are delighted to announce that they have now joined our ownership group at Rochdale Hornets.

"Britannia Metals is a Rochdale business, and the Wilson family are local people born and bred with a real passion for sport in Rochdale. 

"It is increasingly obvious that to survive and flourish in modern-day rugby league, with the IMG grading framework, clubs need the strongest financial footing and ownership model possible.

"With Britannia Metals joining Carl Halstead, Paul Ormerod and myself as shareholders and custodians of the club, Rochdale Hornets are in a very fortunate and stable position heading into 2025 and beyond. 

"This investment is testimony to the direction of travel our club has taken over the past couple of years, with particular emphasis on bigger picture thinking, sustainability and the engagement of our wider communities in the Rochdale borough."

Britannia Metals' Jason Wilson added: "Britannia Metals are extremely pleased to announce our investment in Rochdale Hornets which makes Britannia Metals a stakeholder in addition to already being sponsors and supporters of the club."

"Hornets are heavily invested in grassroots, the Hornets Foundation, their wheelchair and disabilities teams, along with the many other strands of rugby league and diverse and inclusive programmes they offer, has supported the local community greatly, something Britannia is committed to.

"The recent launch of the 'Hive' community facility at Balderstone Park is exciting, and we have been particularly enthused by this. Britannia is a proud supporter of sport in Rochdale, and we are excited to support the Hornets' vision."