Ratcliffe acquisition of Manchester United minority stake completed

MANCHESTER, England : British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in Premier League club Manchester United has been completed, putting an end to a 15-month saga.

The $1.25 billion deal, in which the INEOS chairman will also invest $300 million into the club's infrastructure and take charge of their soccer operations, was struck in December and its final approval was mainly a formality.

"To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility," Ratcliffe said in a statement on Tuesday.

"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."

The ownership deal had to clear regulatory hurdles, including Premier League and Football Association approval which were both given last week.

Ratcliffe's purchase ended more than a year of uncertainty after majority owners, the Glazer family, said in November 2022 that they were looking at strategic options for investment into the club they took control of in 2005.

The American family will retain a majority stake in the club but Ratcliffe's Ineos Group will take control of football operations.

"I would like to welcome Sir Jim as co-owner and look forward to working closely with him and INEOS Sport to deliver a bright future for Manchester United," executive co-chairman Joel Glazer said in a statement.

VOTING RIGHTS

Ratcliffe has agreed to purchase 25 per cent of the team's class B shares, largely held by the Glazer family, which holds most of the voting rights, and up to 25 per cent of its class A shares, which are