The group led by Todd Boehly and which includes Hansjörg Wyss will acquire Chelsea in a bid for 5.2 billion dollars. The London club announced it on Friday evening.
“The sale is expected to be finalized at the end of May subject to obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals,” Chelsea said in a statement. Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich of Russia put the club up for sale in March days before it faced British sanctions in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.
After a long bidding process involving several groups, that of Mr. Boehly, co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, and his investment partners was chosen by the New York bank Raine Group , who oversees the sale. This group is made up, in addition to Mr. Boehly, of Mark Walter, co-owner of the Dodgers, the Bernese billionaire Hansjörg Wyss and the American investment company Clearlake Capital.
“Chelsea Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for a new group of owners, led by Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjörg Wyss, to acquire the club,” the statement from Chelsea FC said. .
Donate to good causes
‘Of the total investment that is going to be made, £2.5 billion will be used to buy back the club’s shares and this sum will be deposited in a frozen UK bank account with the intention of donating 100% to charitable actions as validated by Roman Abramovich’, he continued.
“The UK government’s green light will be required for these funds to be transferred from the frozen bank account,” the club said. Additionally, the new owners have pledged to invest a further £1.75 billion on behalf of the club, the statement said.
Since its sale on March 2, the club has been playing in the Premier League thanks to a special license which prevents it from offering new contracts to its players or recruiting them. A license that is due to end on May 31. Under the auspices of its Russian owner, the club has accumulated success, including five Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.
/ATS
