The image of the reconciliation between John Textor, the owner of OL, and Jean-Michel Aulas, his predecessor, on Sunday at Groupama Stadium was definitely not innocent. According to Europe 1, the second has decided to position itself for the purchase of the LDLC Arena, the sports hall which faces the Olympique Lyonnais stadium and which will soon be put up for sale by the first.
“JMA” confided its intentions during the recording of an interview with journalist Jacques Vendroux which will be broadcast on Saturday evening. “Not only is it one of the most beautiful halls in Europe in terms of concerts, basketball and events, but it is also an incredible achievement that we have made on the environmental level with the president of the Urban Community, confided Aulas. We therefore decided to apply for the acquisition of this room. » This should therefore be done via its Holnest group.
Parker also a candidate to keep the room in the “Lyon ecosystem”
John Textor had actually declared his intention to sell assets, including the LDLC Arena, a venue whose cost amounts to 141 million, financed 100% by OL Groupe (one third in equity, two thirds via a credit real estate lease), as explained in L’Equipe on November 22. The annual profits that it could bring in have also been estimated between 10 and 15 million euros net. Enough to arouse desire.
As early as October 6, Tony Parker, the majority shareholder and president of the basketball club, declared that Asvel, with its shareholders, was a candidate for the buyout of “the entirety” of the enclosure. “I have had dinner several times with John Textor on this subject, discussions are progressing well and I hope that we will soon find an agreement,” announced Tony Parker, who is due to rejoin the OL board in the medium term. It is very important for Asvel, and it would be good for the room to remain in the Lyon ecosystem. » If Aulas and Holnest managed to complete the buyout, this would indeed be the case.
A reconciliation with Textor far from trivial
In light of this information, we understand better why the reconciliation between Aulas and Textor was necessary. On Monday, a press release informed us that an agreement had been concluded between OL Groupe, Jean-Michel Aulas and Holnest. OL Groupe has undertaken to buy back from JMA, who will leave his position as director, a third of its shares before January 16, 2024. Aulas assured that he would abandon the legal action launched in August as soon as this redemption will be carried out.
The club will also cease proceedings against its former boss whose candidacy for vice-president of the FFF it will also support, whose election will take place on Saturday during the federal assembly. Small arrangements between friends that make you (almost) forget the not-so-distant conflicts.
2023-12-13 18:23:37
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