A CONSORTIUM of international and local businesses is buying a controlling share in the holding company that owns Plymouth Argyle Football Club.

In a reference to Plymouth's illustrious maritime history, the Partnership says it will establish a "New World" for PAFC, targeting Premier League football within five years and expanding e-commerce operations based around the club's brand.

At the heart of the Partnership's plans are proposals to establish links with clubs and academies in Japan and the USA.

A wide-ranging five-year business plan is under preparation and will be published before Christmas. It will include proposals for investing in the development of the core football capability; establishing a Youth Academy; and growing the recognition of the PAFC brand, both locally and globally. It will also clarify the club's plans to expand the current stadium capacity to more than 25,000 via a fully seated stadium.

The Partnership is led by former Manchester United chairman Sir Roy Gardner, who will become the new chairman.

Sir Roy is an avid football fan who has been eyeing a return to the game since departing Old Trafford in 2005 following the sale of Manchester United to the Glazer family. He was attracted to Plymouth by the prospect of working alongside long-time business associate Keith Todd, who has strong Plymouth links. Sir Roy is also excited at the prospect of helping to make Plymouth Argyle a Premier League team, as well as a global business brand.

The consortium's other partner is the Kagami Group, the Japanese business that bought into the club in April 2008. Kagami Group recently increased its holding from 20% to 38%. Gardner and Todd are buying 13% of the shares through their joint venture company, KKC. Three current directors - Paul Stapleton, Tony Wrathall and Robert Dennerly - will remain on the Board. The Kagami Group and KKC have options to further increase their shareholding over the next 12 months.

The new owners describe the deal as: "a global and local partnership with football at its heart". The partners combine impressive track records in business with strong local links. The aim is to build on the achievements of the club and its directors over the last decade. The Partnership wants to do this by working with the fans, the local council, local and international business partners to build the 'New World' of Plymouth Argyle.

Paul Stapleton, who will become vice-chairman of the new Board, said: "I am delighted that we have now concluded this new partnership deal that brings together considerable global and local business experience.

"I am particularly delighted that Sir Roy has agreed to take on the chairmanship role. His business and football experience will be invaluable to the club."

New chairman Sir Roy Gardner said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the club forward and build on the past decade of progress at the club under Paul Stapleton's leadership, and the considerable efforts and support of current and past directors and fans."

The new owners have also confirmed that Paul Sturrock will continue as manager.

Sir Roy said: "The priority next season is stabilization and laying good foundations for the future. Paul Sturrock is the right man to do this on the football field and take the club forward.

"We are working with Paul to consolidate the squad in the pre-season. As we develop a better understanding of the club's precise needs, we plan to progressively increase the budget for new players, in particular as we grow the commercial income."

The Board will also seek to harness new internet technologies to grow the commercial side of the club.

New director Keith Todd said: "There are great opportunities here. Plymouth's maritime and armed forces history gives the club huge brand potential.

"There are hundreds of thousands of people around the world with great affection for the town and the club. We will use new technology to build the fan-base and help deliver commercial success."

A new fan website - www.argyleinsider.com - has been established to start building the Argyle community globally. Fans can join at no cost.