Staff And Commercial Deals Safe As Autex Industries Secure NZ Warriors Ownership

New Zealand manufacturing business, Autex Industries, has increased its existing 33% stake in the club and has been confirmed as the sole owner of the NZ Warriors, effective immediately.

The deal was confirmed at the Warriors’ end-of-season awards on Tuesday evening and will be finalised on Monday.

Despite the change in ownership, it has been confirmed that there will be no immediate leadership changes at the Club or will it affect any current sponsorship deals.

“Owning a stake in the club last year was the opportunity of a lifetime,” Autex Industries CEO, Mark Robinson, said.

“We’re a league family and have stood alongside other Warriors fans in the rain, hail and sun to cheer on the boys for the past 25 years.

“Like any local league fan, we’re passionate about seeing the team succeed,” he said.

“We know the potential is there, so we’re stoked to be taking on full ownership and kicking off a new chapter for the club.”

Autex became the first New Zealand business to sponsor a national sport’s team.

Autex Industries first became involved with the Vodafone Warriors in May last year, when it was announced the business would invest in the club as part of a joint ownership structure.

Since then, Mark Robinson and Autex Managing Director (and Warriors chairman) Rob Croot, have gone on to develop strong relationships with the Warriors team, coaching staff and senior leadership at the club.

“Over the past year, we’ve built a great bond with the players and the wider team – we’re there with them at every game and stand by them through the good and not-so-good, home and away.

“We’re looking forward to helping the Club reach its potential for the good of the game, the good of the players and for the good of our fans – there’s no doubt they’re the most loyal in the NRL and they deserve to be rewarded for keeping the faith with some success on the ladder.”

Autex Managing Director – Rob Croot, will remain in position as Chair of the Warriors’ board, Cameron George will continue to lead the Club as CEO, and Stephen Kearney will continue to coach the team.