Sheffield United $148M Takeover Bid Under Review

ClearTV Media CEO Henry Mauriss’ $148 million takeover bid for Sheffield United is being reviewed by the English Football League, according to The Athletic. 

In June 2020, Mauriss submitted a $436 million bid for Newcastle United. The offer topped a $374 million bid from the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Mauriss held exclusive talks with Newcastle, but a deal failed to come to fruition due to what was deemed a slow takeover process by then-owner Michael Ashley.

Ashley sold Newcastle to the PIF in October 2021 in a deal worth more than $385 million. 

Mauriss’ ability to acquire Sheffield United depends on two EFL stipulations. 

• The American businessman must prove sources of funding and sustainability. 
• Any deal for the club would have to be approved by EFL owners and directors. 

Sheffield United is currently owned by Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who initially purchased a 50% stake in the club in 2013 for an undisclosed amount. The prince acquired the remaining stake in 2019 for $6.4 million after an arbitration battle with British real estate entrepreneur Kevin McCabe, who owned the other 50%.

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Mauriss joins a number of investors looking to tap into the world’s most popular sport.

Ligue 1’s Olympique Lyonnais has received at least six bids for an ownership stake, per Bloomberg. The French club, which is valued at $528 million, has received offers from American and European investors and is expecting more this week.