In a landmark move that shakes the foundations of European football, Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid has been acquired by American private equity firm Apollo Global Management. The deal places a monumental £2.2 billion valuation on the La Liga club, signalling a significant shift in football club ownership.
The Details of the Deal
Apollo Global Management has secured a controlling 70% majority stake in the Madrid outfit, according to reports from City AM. Crucially, the existing leadership, Chief Executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and President Enrique Cerezo, will remain in their positions, ensuring a degree of continuity for the club.
Other minority shareholders, including the international investment group Quantum Pacific Group, established by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer, and investment manager Ares Management, will retain their stakes in the club.
A New Era for Los Colchoneros
Robert Givone of Apollo was effusive in his praise for the club, describing Atletico Madrid as "one of Europe's great sporting institutions." He outlined the firm's commitment, stating they are "excited to back the team and honour its spirit and traditions" while aiming to add value in specific areas.
Givone highlighted the growth of the club's training complex and enhancing the overall fan experience as key priorities. "Supporting the ambitious plans for the sports city can create significant value for both the club and the local economy," he added, pointing to future development projects.
Private Equity's Growing Footprint in Football
This acquisition is the latest in a series of major incursions by private equity into European football. This trend was previously seen in Spanish football when CVC Capital Partners struck a deal in 2021, providing clubs with over $2bn in return for a stake in the league's broadcasting and sponsorship arm.
Apollo itself is no stranger to sports investments. The New York-based firm had previously provided £80m to Premier League club Nottingham Forest and extended a £40m loan to football agent Kia Joorabchian's Sports Invest Holdings. Furthermore, in September, several news outlets reported that Apollo was preparing to launch a £3.75bn investment vehicle specifically targeted at the sports sector.
Miguel Angel Gil Marin welcomed Apollo as "a great ally that respects the history, traditions, and identity of Atletico and its fans," confirming that the investment brings additional resources to help maintain the club's growth and competitiveness on the domestic and European stage.
