Components One’s U.S.-based proprietor Liberty Media have introduced a takeover of MotoGP’s mum or dad firm Dorna, valuing the world’s main bike racing championship at 4.2 billion euros ($4.53 billion), MotoGP stated in an announcement on Monday.
Dorna will keep an independently run firm attributed to Liberty Media’s Components One Group monitoring inventory and proceed to be primarily based in Madrid, with long-serving Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta remaining in his place, the assertion added.
“That is the right subsequent step within the evolution of MotoGP, and we’re excited for what this milestone brings to Dorna, the MotoGP paddock and racing followers,” Ezpeleta stated.
The deal will see Liberty Media buying roughly 86% of Dorna, with Dorna administration retaining round 14% of its fairness. The deal is predicted to be accomplished by the top of 2024.
The transaction displays an enterprise worth of 4.2 billion euros for Dorna/MotoGP and an fairness worth of three.5 billion euros, the assertion stated.
Dorna Sports activities, which was roughly 40% owned by British non-public funding firm Bridgepoint Group, additionally promotes the World Superbike Championship and all-electric MotoE.
“We’re thrilled to increase our portfolio of main dwell sports activities and leisure belongings with the acquisition of MotoGP,” Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei stated.
“The enterprise has important upside, and we intend to develop the game for MotoGP followers, groups, business companions and our shareholders.”
The takeover may entice regulatory scrutiny. CVC Capital Companions, who bought Components One to Liberty in 2017, have been cleared by the European Fee to purchase F1 in 2006 on situation they bought Dorna.
Canada Pension Plan Funding Board (CPPIB) purchased a 39% stake in Dorna from Bridgepoint in 2012. The remaining shares have been owned by Dorna administration, whose stake has dropped to 14% following the takeover. REUTERS
