CHARLTON Athletic has been taken over by Belgian entrepreneur Roland Duchâtelet, the club has announced.

Mr Duchâtelet's company Staprix NV will acquire 100 per cent of the shares of the club, subject to formalities.

The Belgian has an estimated wealth of more than £400m and bought Standard Liege for £35m back in 2011.

Shortly after the annoucement, the club confirmed it had signed attacking midfielder Astrit Ajdarević on a six-month loan deal from Standard Liège.

Richard Murray, who will remain on the board following the takeover and become non-executive chairman, said: “I look forward to using my long experience in English football to continue to represent the club that has been my passion for many years. Charlton can benefit from Roland’s experience in many different ways.”

Outgoing Chairman Michael Slater, who will step down from the board after a short handover period, added: “In every important respect we leave the club in a far better state than when we took over three years ago, but now is the time to pass the baton to Roland who has a proven track record of success in business and football.

“We believe we have found an investor with extensive knowledge of football who is well placed to stabilize the club in the Championship and help the club to develop on a sensible commercial basis”.

Tony Jimenez and Martin Prothero are also stepping down from the board of directors.

Leader of Greenwich Council Councillor Chris Roberts said: "The council would like to welcome the new owners of Charlton Athletic Football Club to the borough.

"At the same time, we would also like to place on record our thanks to the previous owners for the progress made by the club during their tenure in which they secured promotion to the Championship.

"We now look forward to working with their successors in whatever way we can to further strengthen the Club going forward."