Manchester United Confirms Sale of 25% Stake to Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United after more than a year of negotiations.

The Glazer family, in agreement, has sold a portion of their shares, granting Ratcliffe control over football operations. INEOS, Ratcliffe’s company, will invest $300 million in the club and be responsible for managing football operations.

Regulatory approval, including from the Premier League, is required for the acquisition.

The deal concluded following an extensive bidding process, where Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim were the primary contenders. Although both initially aimed for a complete takeover, the Glazers resisted, leading to Ratcliffe proposing a deal for a minority stake after Sheikh Jassim withdrew.

Valued at approximately £1.3 billion, the deal has been officially approved by Manchester United. Ratcliffe’s acquisition covers 25% of Class B shares held by the Glazers and offers to acquire up to 25% of all Class A shares at $33.00 per share.

As part of the agreement, INEOS now controls sporting affairs, initiating a behind-the-scenes overhaul. CEO Richard Arnold announced his resignation last month. The Premier League’s approval for Ratcliffe’s acquisition is expected to take at least four weeks.

Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairmen and Directors, express their satisfaction with the deal and commitment to exploring alternatives to enhance Manchester United’s success across men’s, women’s, and Academy teams. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a local and lifelong supporter, shares his delight at the deal, expressing the desire to see Manchester United regain their position at the pinnacle of English, European, and world football.

The deal aims to provide Manchester United access to seasoned high-performance professionals, fostering future investments into Old Trafford and aligning with the club’s and INEOS’s shared ambition to propel the team forward.