The game seems played. Antoine Arnault, the eldest son of Bernard Arnault, founder of the LVMH group, announced that Agache, the investment holding company of the Arnault family, is “entry into exclusive negotiations with a view to acquiring a majority stake in Paris FC”, via press release, Thursday, October 17.
The company did not detail the economic 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 started 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 own 85% of the capital in 2027, while the Austrian energy drink manufacturer, owner of the Leipzig (Germany) and Salzburg (Austria) clubs, would own 15%. Initially, Pierre Ferracci would sell 55% of the capital to Agache and keep 30%, which he would then sell in 2027 to the Arnault family, according to consistent sources.
On the eve of the start of negotiations, in the summer of 2024, Ferracci owned 58% of the capital. Since then, thanks to the funds promised by Agache, the founder of the Alpha group, a consulting specialist for CSE, has negotiated the purchase of 42% of the capital in the hands of three minority shareholders. Two accepted, Infinity Sports Venture, an investment vehicle of the Prince of Bahrain (15% of the capital) and the French-American company Sport Bridges (around 17%).
“Return the club to the elite”
Until Wednesday, October 16, the third party, BRI Sports Holding, an investment vehicle of the Anglo-Sri Lankan Allirajah Subaskaran (founder of the telephone operator Lycamobile), was reluctant to sell the 10% it has owned since 2021. The next day, Agache, However, being able to announce that he was taking control of Paris FC and promise the club’s fans that “return 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 German Bundesliga. The footballer Rai, a PSG figure in the 90s, will retain his duties as ambassador.
Arnault, who will take over as president of Paris FC in 2027, did not specify anything about the club’s relocation plans. Ferracci had intended to leave the Charléty stadium, located on 13my district of the capital, where the club currently plays, considering it poorly maintained by the city of Paris. He targeted the Jean-Bouin stadium located 50 meters from the Parc des Princes, on the 16th.my district, which PSG shareholder Qatar Sports Investment is threatening to leave.
You have 28.16% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
