Dallas-based private equity firm Arctos Partners has acquired an ownership stake in legendary French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain.
The company agreed on a strategic partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) that includes an investment in the Club. Through the partnership, Arctos will have a minority share of ownership and a significant role in driving future business, growing the Club’s operations, and supporting the Club’s strategic real estate initiatives.
“We are delighted to welcome Arctos into the Paris Saint-Germain family as a strategic partner and investor.,” Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, said in a news release.
“Arctos is a fantastic partner to help us achieve our goals, bringing strategic expertise, ideas and innovation to our business, while providing investment and new relationships to support our footballing and sporting goals,” he added. “From day one, they have passionately believed in our project, our plan and vision for the Club – and we are proud to have them as part of our family.
“Today is an important milestone in Paris Saint Germain’s history, which will contribute greatly to the continued success and growth of our great Club.”
Paris Saint-Germain was founded in 1970 and has become one of the most well-known soccer clubs in the world, valued at $4.21 billion in the most recent annual report released by Forbes. The team is the defending French Ligue 1 champion, winning a league-record 11th title.
QSI has owned the Club since 2011 and has seen it win 30 of its 48 trophies during its tenure.
“QSI has transformed Paris Saint-Germain into one of the most renowned and successful football clubs in the world, building both a global brand and one of the most engaged fan communities in the world,” Doc O’Connor, co-founder and managing partner of Arctos Partners, added.
“Today, PSG is an iconic sports institution with a proud history and a regular contender for leading honors in domestic and European competitions. … Our investment in the Club fully aligns with our strategy of partnering with best-in-class teams across North America and Europe.”
According to the release, Arctos will not have a role in on-the-field decisions, which will remain with QSI.