Shares of Manchester United Plc fell as the English soccer club’s owners offered to sell a stake worth about US$186 million, the second disposal this year by the Florida-based Glazer family.
Kevin Glazer and Edward S. Glazer’s trusts offered 9.5 million shares, according to a statement published after the close of trading Tuesday. The stock fell 7.7% in the aftermarket.
“The sale is a personal matter for Edward and Kevin,” a spokesman said in written comments, adding that post-sale, the Glazers will hold a combined 69% stake, down from about 75%. The move follows the family offloading about US$96 million worth of stock in March.
The latest offering follows an 11% runup in United’s shares since Sept. 17, when the company reported earnings amid a return to full capacity stadiums in England as pandemic restrictions were relaxed.
The stock has climbed 17% year-to-date amid an added boost from the return to the team of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. United has had one of its strongest starts to a season in recent years, sitting just two points off the top of the Premier League table after seven matches, with Ronaldo providing three goals in the competition.
United's stock rallies as superstar player returns to club
Bank of America Corp. is serving as underwriter for the share sale.
Photo by Nat Callaghan on Unsplash
