Bloomberg reported over the last few days that investors are seeking to raise approximately €49 million ($54 million) to potentially acquire a 16.38% stake in the Portuguese football club Benfica. This move could value Benfica SAD, the entity managing the professional team, at around €300 million.
What We Know
- Lenore Sports Partners aims to raise €49 million for a 16.38% stake in Benfica.
- The potential deal values Benfica SAD at about €300 million.
- Discussions are in early stages with no guarantee of a transaction.
- American investors have been increasingly investing in European football clubs.
Investment Group’s Ambitions
Lenore Sports Partners, an investment group that includes Jean-Mark Chapus, co-founder of Crescent Capital, is spearheading the effort to raise funds. The group is currently gauging investor interest in acquiring a significant stake in Benfica SAD. According to a pitch document reviewed by Bloomberg News, the acquisition could value Benfica SAD at approximately €300 million.
Stakeholder Discussions
Lenore has approached Jose Antonio dos Santos, the second-largest shareholder of Benfica SAD, who, along with his family’s poultry producer Grupo Valouro, owns 16.38% of the club. However, deliberations are still in the early stages, and there is no certainty that they will result in a transaction.
American Investment in European Football
American investors have been increasingly pouring money into European football clubs, seeking to capitalize on the sport’s untapped revenue potential. Notable examples include:
- MSP Sports Capital: Co-led a group of US investors to acquire Estoril Praia Futebol SAD in 2019.
- John Textor: Owns Olympique Lyonnais in France.
- Clearlake Capital: Owns Chelsea FC in England.
Benfica’s Legacy and Recent Performance
Founded in 1904, Benfica is one of Portugal’s most storied football clubs, alongside FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon. The club finished second in the Primeira Liga and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League in the latest season. Benfica plays in a 65,000-seat stadium in Lisbon, the largest in the country.
The club also runs a renowned football academy, which has produced top Portuguese players who are later sold to other European clubs. For instance, striker Goncalo Ramos was sold to Paris Saint-Germain last year for €65 million, plus up to €15 million in performance-based bonuses.
Read more on the story at Bloomberg.com.