Mexico’s Club America of Liga MX has closed a historic deal with General Atlantic, a New York-based global private equity firm, which has acquired a large percentage of the most successful team in Mexican soccer.
This agreement comes at a key moment for America, seeking to generate more revenue and grow internationally, strengthening all lines of the club with this strategic alliance, which also includes The Kraft Group, which owns the New England Patriots of the NFL, one of the most important and powerful teams in the world.
Club America joins sports business elite after deal with General Atlantic
In a statement officially presented on the official website of Club America as well as on the website of General Atlantic, the news of the investment in the Coapa club is announced, where the new entity will own 49% of America along with the Estadio Banorte and the adjacent land, while the remaining 51% will remain in the hands of Grupo Ollamani, where Emilio Azcarraga Jean acts as controlling shareholder.
This transaction is worth around $490 million, subject to the usual adjustments at the closing of such a large deal. Emilio Azcarraga has made it clear that with this agreement, America will not lose its essence and that the style and history that the club has managed for years will be maintained.
The Azcarraga family will continue to lead Club America and Estadio Banorte, with majority control, as it has done for decades, guiding this project with the same passion with which the stands vibrate and with the same commitment that is required to wear the colors.
Emilio Azcarraga Jean will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, leading the strategic direction of the club and the stadium, and working with a world-class team to ensure that America continues to grow in Mexico and around the world.
Who are General Atlantic and their partnership with Kraft Analytics Group?
General Atlantic is a leading global investor founded in 1980 known for its vision of improving the human condition. The firm has provided capital and strategic support to more than 830 companies around the world and in Mexico since opening its offices in 2015, it has invested more than $3 billion in 14 companies bringing wealth to the country.
Alongside this investment, to further support the alliance, General Atlantic and Ollamani partnered with Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR), in order to leverage its industry-leading customer data platform along with proprietary fan experience and strategic consulting expertise.
The society indirectly linked to entities affiliated with The Kraft Group, owners of the New England Patriots (NFL) and the New England Revolution (MLS).
America club brother of New England Patriots and New England Revolution
With this alliance, America is part of a very powerful group worldwide, counting among its ranks the NFL franchise the New England Patriots, one of the teams that is in the top 50 most valuable sports franchises in the world, and along with them the New England Revolution, an MLS team that each season continues to strengthen in search of winning the league title.
Although it is too early to think about problems regarding multi-ownership that could arise in certain international soccer events such as the Intercontinental Cup if Club America and New England Revolution have the opportunity to participate, this alliance undoubtedly strengthens Emilio Azcarraga’s team, seeking to achieve even more titles and power in the Liga MX.
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