2024-10-17 18:57:00
The match seems played. Antoine Arnault, the eldest son of Bernard Arnault, founder of the LVMH group, announced that Agache, the Arnault family‘s investment holding company, is “entry into exclusive negotiations with a view to acquiring a majority stake in Paris FC”, by press release, Thursday October 17.
The company did not detail the financial terms of the operation signed with Pierre Ferracci, a 72-year-old Corsican businessman, owner of the Parisian club since 2012. The Arnault family, however, specified that “Red Bull has also entered into negotiations for the acquisition of a minority stake” in the capital of this football club, leader of Ligue 2.
Under the terms of their agreement, Agache would hold 85% of the capital in 2027, while the Austrian energy drink manufacturer, owner of the Leipzig (Germany) and Salzburg (Austria) clubs, would hold 15%. Initially, Pierre Ferracci would sell 55% of the capital to Agache, keeping 30%, which he would then sell in 2027 to the Arnault family, according to consistent sources.
On the eve of the opening of negotiations, in the summer of 2024, Mr. Ferracci held 58% of the capital. Since then, thanks to the funds promised by Agache, the founder of the Alpha group, a specialist in consulting for CSEs, has negotiated the buyout of the 42% of the capital held by three minority shareholders. Two accepted, Infinity Sports Venture, investment vehicle of the Prince of Bahrain (15% of the capital) and the Franco-American Sport Bridges Venture (around 17%).
“Bring the club back to the elite”
Until Wednesday October 16, the third, BRI Sports Holding, investment vehicle of the Anglo-Sri Lankan Allirajah Subaskaran (founder of the telephone operator Lycamobile), was reluctant to sell the 10% it holds since 2021. The next day, Agache was nevertheless able to announce that he was taking control of Paris FC and to promise the club’s fans that he would “bring back to the elite of men’s football”. The company will be advised by Red Bull, owner of several football clubs, including RB Leipzig, current number two in the Bundesliga in Germany. The footballer Rai, a PSG figure in the 1990s, will retain his functions as ambassador.
Mr. Arnault, who will take over as president of Paris FC in 2027, did not specify anything about the club’s relocation plans. Mr. Ferracci intended to leave the Charléty stadium, located in 13e district of the capital, where the club currently plays, deeming it poorly maintained by the City of Paris. He targeted the Jean-Bouin stadium located 50 meters from the Parc des Princes, in the 16e arrondissement – which PSG’s shareholder, Qatar Sports Investment, is threatening to leave.
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