Manchester United FC: Jim Ratcliffe (INEOS) completes acquisition of a 25% stake for $1.3bn

The acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United FC (Premier League) by British businessman Jim Ratcliffe (INEOS) has been completed with the approval of The Football Association and the Premier League, announced the club on 20/02/2024. The deal, valued at $1.3bn (€1.18 billion), was announced on 24/12/2023.

The acquisition included the purchase of 25% of the club's Class B shares (which carry more voting rights and were 100% owned by the Glazer family prior to the deal), as well as the acquisition of up to 25% of the club's Class A shares (which trade on the New York Stock Exchange). The unit purchase price for each share was $33 (€30).

As part of the deal, Jim Ratcliffe is also providing a $300m (€272m) fund for future investment at Old Trafford, of which $200m will be paid on closing and a further $100m by the end of 2024. Trawlers Limited (Isle of Man), a company wholly owned by Jim Ratcliffe, will receive additional Class A and Class B shares under this investment.

At the request of the Manchester United Board, INEOS also 'agreed' in December 2023 to be delegated…