Following the anticipation of recent days, Liberty Media has now officially completed the acquisition of the commercial rights of MotoGP for a sum of 4.2 billion euros.
The news had been in the air for days, but now it’s official: MotoGP is passing into the hands of Liberty Media, with the company led by Greg Maffei, who, after outbidding TKO and Qatar Sports Investments, will hold the commercial rights of the top categories in two and four wheels.
A mammoth operation, with Liberty Media acquiring 86% of Dorna’s shares, while the management of MotoGP will retain the remaining 14%. The shares of the latter were previously held by the English company Bridgepoint and the Canadian pension fund CPPIB.
The Liberty Media era in MotoGP begins
“Liberty Media will acquire approximately 86% of Dorna, while Dorna’s management will retain approximately 14% of its share capital,” reads the combined statement published a few minutes ago by both MotoGP and Liberty.
“The transaction reflects an enterprise value for Dorna/MotoGP™ of 4.2 billion euros and an equity value of 3.5 billion euros, with the existing debt of MotoGP expected to remain in force after the closing.”
“We are excited to expand our portfolio of live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Maffei. “MotoGP is a global championship with a loyal and enthusiastic fan base, thrilling races, and a highly generative financial profile.” – the statement continued.
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“Carmelo (Ezpeleta, ed.) and his team have built a great sports show that we can expand to a broader global audience. The business has significant potential, and we intend to grow this sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners, and our shareholders.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, also commented: “This is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP. We are excited about what this milestone will bring to Dorna, the MotoGP paddock, and racing fans. We are proud of the global sport we have nurtured. This transaction underscores the value of this sport and its growth potential. Liberty has incredible experience in developing sports assets. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to expand the MotoGP fan base worldwide.”
Since 1994, Dorna has held the commercial rights not only of MotoGP but also of Moto2, Moto3, MotoE, and Superbike, in addition to the recent FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.
Ezpeleta will continue to hold the role of CEO of the Spanish company, with the acquisition expected to be completed (unless opposed by antitrust authorities as in the past) by the end of 2024. Last season, Dorna Sports generated revenue of 474.8 million euros, compared to the 3.2 billion generated by the previous Formula 1 championship, with a 64% increase in operating profit compared to 2023.
Source: f1ingenerale
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