Who is Matthew Pauls? The business interests and net worth of the American investor eyeing a Sunderland AFC takeover

The American investor is understood to be preparing a bid for the club, although Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus remain in pole position to strike a deal with Stewart Donald.

But who is Pauls, and what do we know about him and his interest in the club? We take a look:

Who is Matthew Pauls?

Pauls is an American investor who is primarily based in Washington DC, where he has managed a number of hedge funds.

He also has ties to celebrity hotspot Virginia Beach, and studied at Virginia Commonwealth University.

A college soccer player in his youth, Pauls was reportedly offered a chance to play for Hannover 96 in Germany – but he was unable to obtain a work visa and instead turned his focus to finance.

Where do his business interests lie?

Pauls has previously been involved with a number of hedge funds in his homeland.

They include Fernbank Partners LLC, Champouse LLC and – most recently – Junto Capital LLC, where he served as Managing Member and Chief Investment Officer.

A prospectus produced for Junto Capital states that Pauls has over ten years’ experience in finance, while boasting that ‘Average Is Not An Option’ for the investor.

The prospectus reads: “By operating strictly within a clearly defined circle of individual competence, we perform significantly better than others.”

They also claim that following their investments methods had produced annual returns of “39+% for the last five years for investors.”

Pauls is also a firm follower of prominent investor Warren Buffett, and has appeared in the Wall Street Journal on several occasions to discuss developments relating to the Berkshire Hathaway CEO.

Pauls has not previously been involved in sport ownership.

How much is he worth?

Like many individuals, Pauls’ exact net worth is unknown.

It’s understood that his personal wealth is far greater than the three-figure sums that appear on internet searches, although the exact level of his assets is unclear.

What do we know about his interest in Sunderland AFC?

Pauls has been based in London for a number of weeks in a bid to assemble a package to purchase the club.

Sources close to the deal suggest that backing has been obtained and, while the American himself is spearheading the potential bid, the money would come from other investors.

If a deal were to be reached, Stewart Donald would retain a minority stake in the club – while Pauls, who would be appointed chairman, would take a hands-on role at the club.

Indeed, those close to Pauls say that he is ready to move to Wearside if this interest advances into anything more concrete.

But for now, Pauls and his associates’ interest is just that.

They have yet to have a bid accepted and would need to have a period of exclusivity enacted before completing due dilligence.

Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus are the party currently at the most advanced stage of negotiations, with reports a deal could be completed by early December.

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