Manchester United Announces Sale of 25% Stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group for £1.25 Billion
Aoba Tanaka
2 min read
Manchester United has officially confirmed the sale of a 25% stake in the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group. The deal, valued at £1.25 billion, brings INEOS into the fold, with promises of injecting funds and expertise to revitalize the club’s football operations.
The transaction, agreed upon over two months ago, sees Sir Jim Ratcliffe pay £1.25 billion for his stake. The Christmas Eve announcement revealed that Ratcliffe’s INEOS group will take control of the club’s football operations, aiming to bring “knowledge, expertise, and talent” to drive improvement on the field.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a local-born individual and lifelong supporter of the club, expressed his pleasure at securing the deal and highlighted the long-term commitment of INEOS to Manchester United. He emphasized his personal connection to the club, stating, “As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board.”
The objective of the acquisition is to unlock the full potential of the club, aiming to bring Manchester United back to the pinnacle of English, European, and world football. Ratcliffe pledged $300 million (£237 million) to renew the infrastructure at Old Trafford, with $200 million (£158 million) to be paid upon the completion of the deal and the remainder by the end of 2024.
The conclusion of the 13-month long process is expected to bring relief to Manchester United fans, welcoming the arrival of a local-born owner focused on rejuvenating the club’s football operations. INEOS sporting director Sir David Brailsford, renowned for his role in British Cycling, is anticipated to play a key role in overhauling the club’s performance structures.
The announcement clarified that the transaction adds no further debt to the club, as the deal is fully funded by a company wholly-owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The completion of the transaction is subject to approval from the Premier League and other regulatory bodies, with an estimated timeframe of six to eight weeks. As the deal progresses through regulatory approvals, fans eagerly anticipate the positive impact on the club’s fortunes, especially as they face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
