RC Lens: Side Invest (Hauts-de-France region, IRD Group & AFM) acquires a stake of "just under 13%"

RC Lens (Ligue 1 Uber Eats) has announced that Side Invest, "the first investment company to support and develop the entertainment industry in the cultural, media and sports sectors in the Hauts-de-France region", has acquired a stake of "just under 13%" in the club's capital. The investment amounts to €20m (in shares and convertible bonds), valuing the club at around €155m on completion of the deal.

Side Invest brings together the Hauts-de-France Region, the IRD Group ("a major player in economic development north of Paris") and the Mulliez family through the AFM (Association Familiale Mulliez, majority shareholder in Auchan, Saint-Maclou, Phildar, Decathlon, etc.). The company was set up in July 2023 for a period of 12 years, with the aim of raising €50m from investors, but not from the general public.

"For its first operation, Side Invest wanted to mark its local roots and participate in the development of the region by investing in an iconic entity, Racing Club de Lens, which embodies strong cultural and societal values. Through this capital increase, the operation aims to…