The acquisition of a 27.7% stake in Manchester United by Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been finalized.
The British billionaire’s investment amounts to approximately $1.6 billion (£1.25 billion).
While the Glazer family, who have been owners of the 20-time English champions since 2005, will maintain a majority stake in the club, Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group will assume control over football operations.
“To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility,” said Ratcliffe.
“This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans.
“Work to achieve those objectives will accelerate from today.”
Ratcliffe, a Manchester native, serves as the chairman of petrochemicals company Ineos and professes to be a lifelong supporter of Manchester United. He made an unsuccessful attempt to purchase Chelsea in May 2022.
The 71-year-old businessman has reached an agreement to acquire 25% of United’s class B shares, which are primarily held by the Glazer family and contain nearly all the voting rights, as well as up to 25% of its class A shares, which are publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
This arrangement, finalized on Christmas Eve, also involves a $300 million (£237 million) allocation for future investments in the club’s Old Trafford stadium. The initial $200 million (£158 million) from this fund raises Ratcliffe’s ownership stake to 27.7%, with the remaining $100 million (£79 million) slated for completion by year’s end.
Assuming control over the sporting aspects of the club, Ineos will oversee the operations of both the men’s and women’s football teams and academies. Additionally, they will secure two seats on both the Manchester United plc and Manchester United Football Club boards.
While awaiting final approval of the deal, Ratcliffe made numerous visits to Old Trafford and the club’s training facility.
His investment received clearance from both the Football Association and Premier League, with Ratcliffe also signing the top flight’s owners’ charter.
This transaction marks the first agreement to be reached under the Premier League’s updated owners’ and directors’ test, implemented after receiving approval from member clubs in March 2023. The process includes an evaluation by an independent oversight panel.
The Glazers acquired Manchester United for £790 million in 2005. In November 2022, the American family announced their contemplation of a sale to “explore strategic alternatives.”