Recently, the Bentleigh Club sent a notice to its members regarding the merger proposal. It highlighted the benefits from the Bentleigh Club’s perspective.
The Melbourne Board believes this merger is an important step in securing the financial viability of the Bentleigh Club, as well as providing Melbourne with an additional revenue stream and asset base.
Melbourne has been in continual discussions with the Board of the Bentleigh Club and a ‘consultative committee’ (formed by the members of the Bentleigh Club to represent them in relation to the merger proposal).
Pleasingly, the Board of the Bentleigh Club has endorsed the proposal put forward by Melbourne. The consultative committee has also formally endorsed the Melbourne proposal.
“Without the Melbourne Football Club proposal, the (Bentleigh Club) Board considers the likelihood of the Bentleigh Club’s continuation to be very uncertain,” Bentleigh Club Chairman Bill Balcam said.
If successful, the proposal will see the operations of the Bentleigh Club integrated with Melbourne - this will be mutually beneficial for both clubs, who have a long standing relationship.
The benefits to both clubs include:
• Secure future for the Bentleigh Club as a long standing partner of Melbourne
• Profitable venue in the medium to long term, and we believe a venue we can make break even in the short term
• Improved asset position for Melbourne, with the additional assets of approximately $9m outweighing the debt of $1.8m
“Melbourne and the Bentleigh Club have a long standing relationship, stretching back over a decade. The proposed merger brings positive outcomes for both clubs, and we are seeking the support of our members throughout this process,” Melbourne President Jim Stynes said.
The Club will continue to update its members and supporters with further details in the coming weeks.
