PSG’s evolution has been nothing short of amazing. Since being taken over by the state-backed Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, the French club has been a force to reckon with, not just in France but throughout Europe. Despite the lack of European success over the years, the club’s stature is big enough to compete with some of the biggest clubs in the world.
News broke out yesterday that the QSI, owned by the nation of Qatar, had sold a minority stake in the club to US firm Arctos Partners. This deal involved a record-breaking figure, and the money is set to be used to make some significant changes around the club, including the club stadium.
Why PSG sold minority stake to US firm Arctos Partners
Qatari Sports Investment have decided to sell 12.5% of PSG to a US firm, claiming the move will help the club with “real estate and operations”. Although the figures involved in the deal were not disclosed, it is understood that Arctos Partners, the same firm with controlling stakes in LA Dodgers and Aston Martin, invested a whopping $4.58 billion, making it a record-breaking figure for a minority stake in any football club in history.
“Qatar Sports Investments and Arctos Partners have today announced a landmark strategic partnership and investment deal that will see Arctos acquire a minority common equity stake in Paris Saint-Germain, the most successful football club in France and one of the leading football and multi-sports brands in the world,” the club said in a statement.
“The partnership will form the foundation of the next phase of PSG’s global growth and drive forward the Club’s footballing and business success. The investment from Arctos will go towards growing PSG’s operations and also supporting the Club’s strategic real estate initiatives, including relating to its stadium and the future development of PSG’s world-leading training center at Poissy in suburban Paris,” the statement read further.
The club also mentioned in the statement that they planned to extend their reach into new markets, such as North America, with PSG now looking to make good use of the investment funds they have received from the partnership.
Sheikh Jassim to more on Man United with PSG money
Despite the imminent arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the owner of a minority stake in Manchester United, Sheikh Jassim, who had been trying for over a year to buy out the club from the Glazers, is reportedly not giving up on his quest to purchase the club.
According to new reports, the Sheikh is planning to use some of the investment funds PSG got from the 12.5% minority stake of the club to buy out the Glazers and become the new owner of Manchester United.
While the authenticity of this report is unclear, it’s not surprising, considering how determined the son of the former Qatari leader is to buy the English club.
The Qatari banker had initially given up hopes of buying the club after seeing multiple bids rejected by the Glazers. Reports even linked him to an investment opportunity and a potential partnership with Tottenham Hotspur, but they were never concrete enough.
Can Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United help turn the club’s fortunes around?
