AFC Bournemouth has confirmed an American private equity investor has acquired a 25 per cent shareholding in the Dorset club.

The deal has seen Chicago-based PEAK6 Investments become a minority shareholder after purchasing a quarter of current owner Maxim Demin’s stake.

PEAK6 founder Matt Hulsizer and the firm’s chief corporate development and legal officer Jay Coppoletta will both become Cherries directors.

News a possible deal could be on the cards surfaced on Sky News on Saturday before the Daily Echo exclusively revealed Coppoletta’s involvement earlier today. 

In a statement issued by the club, Hulsizer said: “I am excited and honoured to partner with Maxim and AFC Bournemouth. 

“I was introduced to the club over two seasons ago and since then I have followed the club’s progress and seen the tremendous accomplishments in that time. 

“With Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall managing the team, I am confident that we can establish ourselves in the top flight.”

And Cherries chairman Jeff Mostyn said: “The club is confident this partnership will further strengthen its ability to compete with the very best and provide a platform to establish itself as a long-term Premier League club. 

“With PEAK6 taking a stake in the club, it is a pleasure to also announce that both Mr Hulsizer and Mr Coppoletta will also join the board of directors.”

Demin initially acquired a 50 per cent stake in the club after purchasing the shares of directors Mostyn and Steve Sly in November 2011.

And the Russian businessman gained full control when he bought Eddie and Brenda Mitchell’s shareholdings in September 2013.