Manchester United’s owners announced plans last week to explore strategic alternatives for the club — but at a $4.6 billion valuation, the number of potential bidders could be limited.
The team will consider “new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company.”
If the Glazers, who purchased the team for around $1.5 billion in 2005, decide to offload the entirety of the 19th-most valuable team in the world (tied with the Miami Dolphins), only a few parties have the wealth to make the acquisition, according to Forbes.
Manchester United appointed The Raine Group as the exclusive financial adviser on the process, potentially indicating America as a market for a new owner. The Raine Group also advised this year’s Chelsea sale to a consortium led by U.S. businessman Todd Boehly.
Other potential ownership groups: sovereign wealth funds. Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Paris Saint-Germain are all owned by funds.
Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe could be one of the few individuals who could afford the team.
- He has a net worth of $13 billion and has publicly expressed interest in Manchester United.
- Ratcliffe previously told the Financial Times he met with the Glazers, who at the time didn’t want to sell.
- He also made a late bid for Chelsea.
Amancio Ortega, worth $61.3 billion and owner of the conglomerate behind fashion retailer Zara, is also reportedly interested in the club. So is tech giant Apple. David Beckham is open to talks with potential bidders, as well.
Glazers Gone?
The Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have been called on to sell for years.
Fans most recently protested what they see as misguided management and a lack of investment in the team and stadium.
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