Canadian Entrepreneur Alex Haditaghi Acquires Historic Polish Club Pogoń Szczecin, Becoming the Fourth Canadian to Own a Top-Tier European Football Team
TORONTO, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian football (Soccer) talents like Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Stephen Eustáquio, and Tajon Buchanan are making significant impacts on European football, but they are not alone in their continental conquest. Canadian business leaders are also stepping into the spotlight, acquiring and influencing top-tier European football clubs, marking a notable rise in Canadian presence in international sports management and ownership.
In a significant development for international football and Canadian sports entrepreneurship, Alex Haditaghi has officially taken ownership of the storied Polish football club, Pogoń Szczecin. This acquisition marks Haditaghi as the fourth Canadian to own a football team in one of Europe's top-tier leagues, joining the ranks of elite Canadian sports investors such as Joey Saputo (owner of Bologna FC in Italy's Serie A), Mitch Goldhar (owner of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC in Israel's Premier League), and Larry Tanenbaum (owner of AS Saint-Étienne in France's Ligue 1).
Founded in 1948, Pogoń Szczecin has been a beacon of Polish football, known for its rich history and deep-rooted community ties. The club's commendable performance this season, reaching the semi-finals of the Polish Cup and holding a strong 4th place in the competitive Ekstraklasa, underscores its prominence and potential in European football.
Alex Haditaghi's vision for Pogoń Szczecin is to elevate the club to new heights by leveraging his extensive international business acumen. "It is an honor to join such a prestigious league of Canadian sports investors and to contribute to the rich history of Pogoń Szczecin," said Haditaghi. "Our goal is to build on the club's legacy while infusing innovative practices and global talent, particularly from Canada, into our strategies."
Pogoń Szczecin boasts one of Poland's largest football academies, nurturing over 1400 young talents. With Haditaghi's takeover, the academy is set to expand its international reach. Plans are underway to integrate Canadian youth into the academy, providing a unique opportunity for young Canadian players to develop their skills on an international stage and bridge the football cultures of Canada and Europe.
"This initiative not only aims to foster sporting excellence but also to create a cultural exchange that benefits both Polish and Canadian football ecosystems," Haditaghi added. "By bringing Canadian talent to Pogoń Szczecin, we hope to open new pathways for young players and enhance the club's diversity and competitive edge."
Additionally, there are several other Canadians who own football teams in lower divisions across Europe. Notably, Ryan Reynolds and his business partner Rob McElhenney own Wrexham AFC in Wales, and Jason Neale and Stewart Thompson hold a 50% ownership in Peterborough United in England's Championship division. These investments further highlight the growing trend of Canadian involvement in international football.
About Alex Haditaghi
Alex Haditaghi is a dynamic entrepreneur and philanthropist, recognized globally for his ventures in real estate, finance, and now sports. His strategic vision for Pogoń Szczecin is to create a model club that embodies excellence both on the field and in community engagement, setting a new standard for international football club ownership.
For additional information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact:
Name Jordan French
Email jordan@notabilitypartners.com
Phone Number +16037068411
City/State Toronto, ON
Website notabilitypartners.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4a6479c2-b6c2-4b6b-83f8-e3d1c8536abb
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business of Fashion
21 minutes ago
- Business of Fashion
Zara Owner Inditex Posts Slowing Growth
Zara owner Inditex SA reported a muted start to the second quarter and warned that foreign-exchange fluctuations could have a greater impact on results this year than anticipated. The shares tumbled. Revenue at the world's largest listed clothing retailer rose 6% in the five weeks to June 9, excluding currency effects. That was weaker than last year's start to the summer season, the Arteixo, Spain-based retailer said on Wednesday. 'The release fails to dispel concerns on slowing growth,' analysts at Barclays wrote in a note. The company's shares fell as much as 6.4 percent in early Madrid trading. The stock is down about 4.7 percent since the start of the year. Even though current trading is tracking higher than the 4.2 percent sales growth recorded in the first quarter, the latest numbers suggest that Inditex, like its peers, is not immune to a drop in demand prompted by the global trade war. The company has fared better than many of its rivals by keeping tighter controls on inventory, enabling it to remain nimble in a fickle fashion industry, but its sales-growth rates have headed down sharply from the post-pandemic boom era. Swedish rival Hennes & Mauritz AB posted disappointing first-quarter results because of stockpiles of unsold clothing. Foreign-exchange swings are likely to be a greater-than-expected drag on revenue this year, Inditex warned. The company expects currency fluctuations to shave 3 percent off sales this year, up from 1 percent it had expected previously. The adjustment follows a notable depreciation in both the US dollar and the Mexican peso against the euro, shrinking international earnings when converted back to the company's home currency. Other retailers have also signalled the cooling effect FX swings are having with H&M citing a strong kroner as another reason for its weak first-quarter. Last month, German sneaker brand Puma AG said the effect of tariffs and currency fluctuations was challenging to manage. The global garment industry tends to be a dollar-denominated business, which can particularly affect European retailers when they translate earnings back into local currencies. Inditex first spooked the market in March when it signalled a weaker start to its fiscal year, provoking a 7.5 percent fall — the biggest single-day plunge in its shares in five years. In its first quarter ended April 30, operating profit was in line with analyst estimates, while revenue was below expectations. The retailer said costs grew 2.3 percent in the period, rising faster than the 1.5 percent increase in revenue, including currency swings. Asked about the effect of President Donald Trump's tariffs, Inditex said it would use its broad range of suppliers, including those close to home in Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Morocco to manage the situation. 'In any case, I'd say that we see growth opportunities globally, not just in one market,' said Investor Relations Director Gorka Garcia-Tapia Yturriaga on a call with analysts. Over the last few years, the company has invested in both expanding its network of stores and also on refurbishing existing outlets to ensure a better shopping experience for customers. The company plans to spend €1.8 billion ($2 billion) again this year on store improvements and technology, along with an additional €900 million to expand its logistics network. By Clara Hernanz Lizarraga Learn more: The Brewing Controversy Over the Cotton in Your T-Shirt Zara owner Inditex, the world's largest fast fashion company, is ditching the industry's biggest sustainable cotton scheme amid a deforestation scandal and a wider push to prioritise organic fibres.
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
RadNet Secures $100 Million Incremental Term Loan to Fund Acquisitions and Corporate Initiatives
LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RadNet, Inc. (NASDAQ: RDNT) ('RadNet'), a national leader in providing high-quality, cost-effective, fixed-site outpatient diagnostic imaging services, today announced that it has entered into Incremental Amendment No. 2 (the 'Second Amendment') to its Third Amended and Restated First Lien Credit and Guaranty Agreement, as amended (the 'Existing Credit Agreement' and, as amended by the Second Amendment, the 'Credit Agreement'). Pursuant to the Second Amendment, Barclays Bank PLC, as lender, committed to provide RadNet an incremental term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million (the '2025 Incremental Term Loan'), which will be added to and form a part of the existing term loan under the Existing Credit Agreement (the 'Existing Term Loan,' together with the 2025 Incremental Term Loan, the 'Term Loan'). The 2025 Incremental Term Loan will mature on April 18, 2031—coincident with the maturity date of the $868.4 million balance of the Existing Term Loan under the Existing Credit Agreement. Quarterly payments of principal on the Term Loan will be approximately $2.4 million compared to approximately $2.2 million prior to the entry of the Second Amendment. All other terms and covenants of the Credit Agreement (as amended by the Second Amendment) remain unchanged. The proceeds of the 2025 Incremental Term Loan will be used to finance future acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes, providing RadNet with additional flexibility to pursue strategic growth opportunities across its national imaging center network and technology platforms. Mark Stolper, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of RadNet, commented, 'We appreciate the continued support of Barclays and our relationship banks and term-loan lenders. This incremental financing increases our capacity to execute on a pipeline of acquisition opportunities while maintaining our conservative capital structure. The proceeds of approximately $100 million adds to the $717 million cash balance as of March 31, 2025, positioning us to advance our growth strategy and create long-term value for our stockholders.'RadNet, Inc. is a leading national provider of freestanding, fixed-site diagnostic imaging services in the United States based on the number of locations and annual imaging revenue. RadNet has a network of 401 owned and/or operated outpatient imaging centers. RadNet's imaging center markets include Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Texas. In addition, RadNet provides radiology information technology and artificial intelligence solutions marketed under the DeepHealth brand, teleradiology professional services and other related products and services to customers in the diagnostic imaging industry. Together with contracted radiologists, and inclusive of full-time and per diem employees and technologists, RadNet has a total of over 11,000 employees. For more information, visit
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Montfort Capital Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and CFO Transition
TORONTO, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Montfort Capital Corp. ("Montfort" or the "Company") (TSXV: MONT), today announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. All figures are reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Financial Highlights Financial Highlights Three months endedMarch 31, 2025 Three months endedMarch 31, 2024 Revenue $ 713,694 $ 1,037,594 Expenses 1,899,4952,539,930 Net income loss from continuing operations (1,114,624)(1,455,342) Net loss from discontinued operations (3,817,603)(703,730) Basic and diluted loss per common share: from continuing operations (0.01)(0.02) from discontinued operations (0.04)(0.01) As at March 31, 2025 As at December 31, 2024 Loans receivable - net of allowance $ 189,297,041 $ 189,538,678 For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company delivered the following results: Loans receivable - net of allowance as at March 31, 2025 was flat compared to the balance at December 31, 2024, as loan growth in the Langhaus and Nuvo businesses was offset by a decline in the Pivot loan book. Total revenue decreased by $0.3 million or 31% compared to Q1 2024, primarily reflecting lower transaction fee income generated by the Pivot business. Total expenses decreased by $0.6 million or 25% compared to Q1 2024, as management's effort to improve operating efficiency has resulted in reduced staffing and other overhead costs. The net loss from continuing operations for the quarter was $1.1 million compared to a net loss of $1.5 million in Q1 2024, mainly reflecting the savings in operating expenses. The net loss from discontinued operations increased $3.1 million or 442% to $3.8 million compared to Q1 2024, driven by expected credit loss provisions in the Brightpath mortgage business that was sold subsequent to period end. "Our efforts to streamline operating expenses were evident this quarter as we saw a 25% reduction on a year over year basis" said Ken Thomson, CEO of Montfort. "As our core business units continue to grow and we make ongoing refinements to our cost structure, we are positioning our platform for sustainable future growth." CFO Transition Montfort also announced the upcoming departure of Mr. Josh Reusing, Chief Financial Officer for the Company. Mr. Reusing will be replaced by Mr. Sam Hall, effective June 20, 2025. "We'd like to thank Josh for his efforts in the CFO role during a challenging transition period for the Company and wish him well in his future endeavours" said Ken Thomson, CEO of Montfort. "We are also pleased to welcome Sam to the CFO position. Already a trusted senior leader at Montfort, Sam will now play an increased role in guiding the overall growth of the Company." This news release is qualified in its entirety by the Company's financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and the associated Management's Discussion & Analysis, which can be downloaded from the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at About Montfort Capital Corp. Montfort builds and manages private credit portfolios that have focused investing strategies for the institutional and accredited investors markets. For further information, please visit The Company originates, underwrites and manages secured loans through the following operating divisions: Continuing Operations Langhaus provides insurance policy-backed lending solutions to high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs in Canada. Langhaus' loans are collateralized by the assignment of the borrower's whole life insurance policy, personal and/or corporate guarantees and, in some cases, other tangible collateral. Nuvo partners with Canadian alternative asset managers and ultra high-net-worth individuals to provide revolving net asset value based loans (ie. 'NAV loans'). Pivot specializes in asset-based lending targeting SME borrowers in Canada. Sources of revenue include net interest income from loans receivable, origination fees and amendment fees. In addition, Pivot earns loan servicing fees and performance fee income for loan management services performed. Discontinued Operations The Brightpath business was sold subsequent to year end on April 2, 2025. Brightpath is a registered mortgage brokerage and mortgage administrator, administering a portfolio of first and second mortgages secured by residential properties.. As at December 31, 2024, the assets and liabilities of Brightpath are classified as held for sale and the operating results are included under discontinued operations. The TIMIA business unit was sold on November 1, 2024 and its operating results are included in discontinued operations. TIMIA originated, underwrote and serviced private-market loans in the technology space. TIMIA offered revenue-based investment to fast growing, business-to-business recurring revenue software businesses in North America. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements", collectively "forward looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "designed", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: projected timing of profitability of the Company; growth of the Company's existing businesses; and the Company's ability to continue to operate as a going concern. This forward-looking information is based on a number of material factors and assumptions including, but not limited to: stable interest rates and financing costs remaining consistent with current market conditions; no material adverse changes in general economic conditions in key markets; competitive positioning remaining stable in the Company's target markets; Montfort retaining key personnel responsible for client acquisition and relationship management; stability in the competitive landscape of the Company's businesses with no disruptive new market entrants; credit spreads in private lending markets remaining consistent with current market conditions; no significant changes in asset valuations that would impact collateral values; continued demand for private credit; maintenance of current underwriting standards and loan approval processes; no material changes in loan origination channels or referral networks; continued effectiveness of the Company's credit risk assessment methodologies; ability to maintain current loan servicing capabilities and operational efficiencies; ability to maintain relationships with key capital providers, co-lenders and financial partners; and availability of external financing at reasonable rates These assumptions should be considered carefully by readers. The forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: lower than expected revenue growth in the Company's core business segments; potential for increased competition that could compress profit margins; possibility of higher operating costs than forecasted; risk of economic downturn affecting demand for the Company's services; unforeseen regulatory changes impacting the Company's business model and/or cost structure; delays in realizing anticipated cost synergies or operational efficiencies; risk of market saturation limiting organic growth opportunities; failure to successfully execute planned expansion initiatives; possibility of increased competition in target markets; inability to attract or retain key talent needed for growth; technological changes that could disrupt existing business models; customer acquisition costs increasing beyond projected levels; and the Company being unable to continue as a going concern due to its inability to procure additional liquidity and / or financing on reasonable terms. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as, and to the extent required by, applicable securities laws. Based on current available information, the Company believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that those expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by this statement, and readers are advised not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. SOURCE Montfort Capital Corp. View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio