The decision to bring in Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest people, marks the end of a drawn-out sale process officially begun by the Glazer family just over a year ago. At times, the deal drew hype and speculation closer to the Premier League’s deadline day or the NFL draft than a billion-dollar deal in a public company.
Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has completed the purchase of a stake in Manchester United, defeating rival bids from petro-states and hedge funds and ending a bidding war marked by hype and rancour.
Through his chemical conglomerate Ineos Group, Ratcliffe will pay US$33 a share for a 25% stake in the club, valuing the club at about US$5.4 billion, falling below initial hopes of US$6 billion.
