Mercedes have been told what to expect when Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his takeover deal to invest in Manchester United.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his purchase of a minority stake to invest in Manchester United, Mercedes will know what to anticipate. Through his global chemicals company INEOS, the billionaire already has a significant stake in the Formula 1 team. However, he is about to make a significant move into English football after reaching an agreement with the Glazer family, the Red Devils’ owners. Mercedes has also realized the potential consequences for them moving forward.
The chief executive officer of INEOS is rumored to have reached an agreement with the Glazer family to buy a 25% share for £1.4 billion. With this investment, he will gain control over the Premier League club’s football operations.
Ratcliffe’s company also owns a controlling share of French club OGC Nice and there had been concerns that the number of different projects could see him reduce his interest in Mercedes, as he currently owns a 33 per cent share along with Toto Wolff and Daimler.
According to PlanetF1.com, a source close to the 71-year-old has given the Silver Arrows a blunt assurance that Ratcliffe’s new venture will not affect his commitment to Mercedes.
Ratcliffe’s deal is due to be completed during the two-week international break, which commences on Monday. And despite the heavy capital being invested, it is claimed that it ‘changes nothing’ in terms of INEOS’ financial support for the team.
That will come as no surprise to Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, who maintains a close relationship with Ratcliffe and is aware of all of his sporting investments, including the INEOS Britannia sailing team and seven-time Tour de France winners INEOS Grenadiers in cycling.
Wolff has even addressed potentially joining Ratcliffe in investing in the club and refused to rule out getting involved, so it can be safely assumed the Austrian has no qualms with his business partner’s decision to invest elsewhere.
Speaking before the Brazilian Grand Prix, Wolff told the PA News Agency: “Jim has shared the trajectory with me.
“I very much respect his values and we trust each other. If we felt it would make sense to be part of the investment group then I would certainly look at it.”
Since the rules changed in 2022, the eight-time Constructors’ champions have faced challenging times, and their share of the pie has decreased as Red Bull has taken back the top spot in Formula One.
Still, they and Ferrari rank among the most valuable brands in Formula One. The team remains the jewel in the INEOS portfolio until United formally joins Ratcliffe’s network of sports franchises, with an estimated total value of over £3 billion.
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