SOCCER
Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes $1.6bn Manchester United deal
February 21, 2024 - British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has completed a $1.6bn deal to buy a 27.7% minority stake in Manchester United -- Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group will take control of football operations at the club.
The deal for Manchester United includes Ratcliffe’s acquisition of 25% class B shares -- largely held by the Glazer family and containing almost all voting rights -- and 25% class A shares. Furthermore, investment commitments are promised, detailing $300m for future stadium improvements at Old Trafford -- $200m initially and a further $100m by the end of 2024 -- elevating Radcliffe’s shares to 28.9%.
Manchester-born Ratcliffe is founder and majority owner of British petrochemicals empire Ineos. Previous sporting ventures include purchases of Lausanne-Sport and Nice football clubs, alongside multiple partnerships in sailing, F1, cycling, rugby and athletics through the Ineos brand.