The richest man in France and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s new employers are on the brink of taking over Paris FC in a move that could turn the second-tier side into rivals to Paris St-Germain.
The family holding company of luxury goods tycoon Bernard Arnault, who is said to be the world’s fifth-richest man with a purported wealth of around $170 billion (£130.7bn), has entered a period of exclusivity to buy a majority stake in the club.
The Arnault family would initially hold 55 percent of the club, according to an AFP source (via France24), with Red Bull, who will make Klopp their Head of Global Soccer from January 1, acquiring 15 percent.
Paris FC: Red Bull ‘precious’
Paris’s president since 2012, 72-year-old businessman Pierre Ferracci, will keep 30 percent of the capital before selling his shares to the family in 2027, the outlet’s source said.
“With our support, as well as the precious support of our partner, Red Bull, we are hopeful that, gradually, we will write a beautiful page of French football together,” said Arnault’s eldest son, Antoine, who will be part of the board of directors.
“The values it conveys, the passion it generates, the emotions it arouses – football has long been a great passion for us. Our family has always been close to the world of sport, athletes and young women and men who seek to surpass themselves.”
Arnault added that no specific targets have been set, acknowledging that “sport sometimes has many surprises in store.” The 47-year-old added that the takeover would include “respect for the traditions of a great – and future very great – club”.
Only Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg are richer than Arnault senior, financial website Forbes says.
Paris FC and PSG
PSG have dominated French football since being bought by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011. The 2020 Champions League finalists were originally part of Paris FC, which was founded in…
Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/ligue-1/paris-fc-red-bull-french-football/
Author : Ben Miller
Publish date : 2024-10-17 20:07:02
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