Jim Ratcliffe Acquires 25% Stake in Manchester United, Injects $300 Million

Manchester United has announced today that British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, chairman of INEOS, has officially purchased a 25% stake in Manchester United plc, the parent company of the club.

The acquisition, confirmed through a statement released by the club on Sunday, revealed that Ratcliffe acquired 25% of both class A and class B shares from the Glazer family, the current majority shareholders and owners of Manchester United.

Manchester United’s pursuit of “strategic alternatives” in November 2022 has now culminated in Ratcliffe emerging as the successful bidder, surpassing other suitors, including a billion-dollar bid from Saudi Arabia.

The statement further outlined that the acquisition involves a substantial injection of $300 million into the club. Additionally, INEOS, under Ratcliffe’s leadership, will assume responsibility for managing the club’s football operations.

The official announcement stated, “INEOS has accepted a request by the Board to be delegated responsibility for the management of the Club’s football operations. This will include all aspects of the men’s and women’s football operations and Academies, alongside two seats on the Manchester United PLC board and the Manchester United Football Club boards.”

Avram and Joel Glazer, executive co-chairman and directors of Manchester United, expressed their delight in reaching the deal, stating that Ratcliffe and INEOS bring valuable commercial experience and financial commitment to the club. They emphasized the shared goal of delivering success for the men’s, women’s, and Academy teams.

In response to the acquisition, Ratcliffe, a lifelong supporter of the club, conveyed his pleasure in securing the deal. He emphasized the untapped potential of Manchester United in recent times and outlined INEOS’s commitment to utilizing its global knowledge and expertise to enhance the club’s performance. Ratcliffe expressed a long-term vision, acknowledging the challenges ahead and pledging to work collaboratively with the club’s stakeholders.

Ratcliffe stated, “Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.” The club, with a rich history of 20 EPL titles, aims to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of football after a decade-long wait, with the last league title secured in the 2012/13 season.