American investor takes over Olympique Lyonnais
American investor John Textor completed a takeover at Olympique Lyonnais. Textor previously bought a minority stake in the French club last summer. However, further investments have increased the businessman’s stake in the team from 40% to 78%. This means that he is now in charge at the club.
Financial times reports that the deal has been completed for approximately $940 million. The news outlet also claims that the investment group could soon go back and buy the remaining 22% of the club.
Lyon is now the fourth team in which Textor currently has a stake. The American also owns 40% of Crystal Palace, 90% of Botafogo and 80% of the Belgian RWD Molenbeek. All four purchases were made in the past 18 months. Following Lyon’s announcement, Textor claimed it will be a new chapter for the Ligue 1 team.
American investor takes over Olympique Lyonnais
“Today is a new beginning for Olympique Lyonnais,” proclaimed textor. “After four months of constructive negotiations, marked by a common agreement with Jean-Michel Aulas and all our partners, we are proud to have reached this exceptional agreement.”
“It will be a milestone in the history of European and international football development, thanks to the combination within one structure, Eagle Football, of our interests in football clubs with a rich culture and decades of experience: Olympique Lyonnais, Crystal Palace, Botafogo, and RWD Molenbeek .”
Aulas remains with Lyon despite the sale
Aulas has been the owner and chairman of Lyon since 1987. He is widely regarded as a tough negotiator in transfer talks. Despite the takeover, Textor has made it clear that Aulas will remain at the club.
“Eagle Football, in which Jean-Michel Aulas will be an independent director, intends to rapidly implement cooperation between its clubs, particularly in France, Brazil and Belgium, linking to training and development methodologies from Olympique Lyonnais, a reference in the field.”
“The conditions are therefore good for us to work together, with Jean-Michel, in the field of sport, organization and infrastructure. He will remain in operational management of Olympique Lyonnais for at least three years and will remain surrounded by his team.”
Lyon is one of the biggest teams in France. They have amassed seven top combat division titles during their illustrious history. However, the club is currently in a somewhat downward trend. Lyon are currently eighth in Ligue 1, a spot where they finished the previous campaign.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PanoramiC
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