Marc Green was today confirmed as the new owner of Bradford Bulls after his offer for the club was chosen ahead of four rival bids.

The Leeds-based businessman, the owner Safeguard Security Group Ltd, saw his bid accepted by administrator David Wilson ahead of offers from Richard Lamb, Mandy Koukash as well as consortiums from Bradford Park Avenue and Bradford City.

The Bulls said in a statement: "Mr Green, managing director of Leeds-based Safeguard Security Group, has acquired the club having agreed a fee and terms with the administrator, which was later ratified by the sport’s governing body, the Rugby Football League.

"Mr Green – whose bid was approved yesterday as the successful one – this morning met with staff and players in his new role as chairman.

"Robbie Hunter-Paul is to remain in position as the club’s chief executive and Mr Green has acted swiftly to bolster the Bulls’ senior management team, appointing Steve Ferres as managing director.

"The former Bradford Northern player and Wakefield, Castleford and York CEO is to bring vast experience to The Provident Stadium, driving the club forward into a new era."

Green said: “I am really pleased to have completed the takeover of this fantastic club.

“Bradford Bulls is a major sporting brand in the United Kingdom and I think this has been proven by the sheer volume of national media coverage which the club has received throughout the process of its future being secured.

“I have been working with the Bulls for the best part of six months, prior to this, and I think it is important for the supporters, stakeholders and staff to work towards restoring this club to its former glory.

“Now that the takeover is complete, the team and I are in a position to move forward with the business.

“We are confident, in a short amount of time, we can make a full audit of every business unit and prioritise the aspects that will make the biggest impact.

“We will be working extremely hard over the coming months, with our number-one objective and main priority being to ensure Super League survival for this historic club.

“I am fully aware of the club’s past successes and of its proud heritage, and am keen to build on it in the years ahead.

“I am using the expertise the club already has and I have brought in further knowledge and capability, with the appointment of Steve Ferres, highlighting my commitment to the future success of the Bulls.

“I am delighted to have Steve on board. He is highly regarded across rugby league and his expertise is going to bear fruit in the times ahead and he will help get this club back to where it belongs.

“Myself, Steve and Robbie are fully behind the head coach Francis Cummins and his backroom staff. We believe he is the man to deliver on-field success for Bradford Bulls.

“Finally, on behalf of the Bulls, I would like to thank David Wilson, of DFW Associates, and his team for all of their efforts throughout this process.”

The brand-new holding company, Bradford Bulls Northern Ltd, will now take full control of the club.

RFL Director of Standards and Licensing Blake Solly said: “We welcome the announcement that the acquisition of Bradford Bulls has now been concluded, a move which brings to an end what has been an unfortunate period of instability for a club that can now face the future with renewed confidence.

“We are sure Marc and his staff will receive a warm welcome from the club’s supporters and indeed the whole Rugby League family.

“We would also like to place on record our thanks and appreciation to the official administrator David Wilson for the professional manner in which he handled this whole process.

“Whilst the considerable interest shown in purchasing Bradford Bulls meant that the administrator was unable to effect the sale as quickly as would have been ideal, the interest was also of sufficiently high quality to have provided some compelling evidence of the attractiveness of Rugby League clubs to investors and is a further endorsement of the appeal of the sport."