Simon Reuben

Overview

Simon Reuben has worked for decades with his elder brother David. Reuben Brothers invests in property, private equity, hospitality, credit and sports media; the family’s earlier business centered on non-ferrous metals.⁠[1][2]

Contents13 sections

Key facts

May 1941Early Life, Carpets and Property

Born in Bombay in May 1941, Simon Reuben grew up in Britain. He began in carpets before investing in property; a 2003 Independent profile dates his involvement in property to 1970. He subsequently worked with David in Trans-World’s metals business.⁠[3][2][4]

1990–2000Metals and a Shift in Investment

Trans-World expanded into Russia and Kazakhstan in the 1990s, with aluminum an important business. The brothers sold their Russian interests in 2000 and subsequently concentrated more on property and private equity.⁠[2][4]

2002Reuben Foundation Established

The Reuben Foundation was established in 2002 with an initial US$100 million endowment for education, healthcare and community work. Companies House records Simon’s appointment as a director on July 9, 2002.⁠[5][3]

2012Oxford Undergraduate Scholarships

In 2012, the foundation established an Oxford scholarship program for undergraduates from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.⁠[6]

2016–2019Exit From Global Switch

Aldersgate Investments, a Reuben Brothers company, began selling Global Switch shares in 2016. The data-center operator’s annual report records the sale of the remaining 24.01% to Shagang Group for £1.8 billion on August 23, 2019, completing Aldersgate’s exit. Simon Reuben subsequently resigned from the board.⁠[7][8]

2020£80 Million Gift to Oxford

The foundation’s £80 million gift in 2020 supported Reuben College, graduate scholarships and expanded undergraduate aid. The college was previously called Parks College.⁠[6]

October 7, 2021Family Participation in Newcastle United Acquisition

On October 7, 2021, a consortium of PIF, PCP Capital Partners PCP Capital PartnersPCP Capital Partners is an international private equity and advisory group founded by Amanda Staveley in 2005. It has participated in financial-sector and football transactions, including the 2021 acquisition of Newcastle United and its subsequent exit in 2024.Open the full entry and RB Sports & Media completed its acquisition of Newcastle United. The club named David’s son Jamie Reuben as the director representing RB Sports & Media.⁠[9][10]

October 27, 2022Sheldon Medal

David and Simon received the Sheldon Medal at the Oxford Martin School on October 27, 2022, recognizing their support for Oxford students and Reuben College. It is the university’s highest honor for benefactors.⁠[11][6]

July 12, 2024Newcastle Ownership Agreement

Newcastle announced on July 12, 2024 that PIF and RB Sports & Media had agreed to acquire PCP’s interest, with anticipated holdings of approximately 85% and 15%. As of October 2026, its corporate information names PIF and RB Sports & Media as owners and identifies Jamie Reuben as the latter’s ultimate beneficial owner.⁠[12][13]