Valenciennes FC: Dragan Šolak and Sport Republic in exclusive negotiations to acquire the club

The majority shareholders of Valenciennes FC (Ligue 2 BKT) have entered into exclusive negotiations with Sport Republic, an investment company in the sports and entertainment industry based in London (ENG), for the purchase of their shares in the club, as announced by its chairman Eddy Zdziech on 16/06/2023.

Sport Republic, which is owned by Serbian businessman Dragan Šolak, owns an 80% stake in Southampton FC (relegated to the Sky Bet Championship at the end of the 2022-23 Premier League season) since January 2022, and a majority stake in Göztepe SK (Turkish 2^nd division) since August 2022. The English company is set to acquire an 88% stake in Valenciennes FC for an estimated €15m, according to the French media.

"Both parties aim to conclude their negociations as soon as possible in order to reach an agreement in compliance with French regulations," said the club, which is scheduled to appear before the DNCG on 27/06/2023.

Should the sale be completed, Matthias Leterme, former managing director of KV Kortrijk (Jupiler Pro League), would hold the same position at Valenciennes FC…