Mel Morris has become the new owner of Derby County after completing his purchase of the club.

The local businessman has bought the Rams from previous owners North American Derby Partners LLP for an undisclosed sum.

Morris, who is a life-long Derby supporter, first re-invested in the club in the summer of 2014, before taking up the position of chairman in May this year.

"Whilst I firmly believe that the club's ownership is very much a tertiary concern to most fans, I hope together we can help steer this club back into a sustainable place in the Premier League," Morris told the Derby Telegraph.

"We have many of the key components in place, but I am conscious that we must all commit our total support in pursuit of this goal, which I know is shared by all of us, as fans of this great football club.

"I wish to pay tribute to the North American Ownership group, who collectively provided the finance and leadership stability the club needed following the traumatic times which followed the 2007-08 season in the Premier League. They have been terrific to work with, and I am sure they will continue to follow the Rams well into the future."

It is understood that Sam Rush will remain chief executive but a new board of directors will be announced shortly.