The MotoGP Championship is now under American ownership , with Formula 1 owner S . L . Liberty Media acquiring Madrid based Dorna Sports , S . L ., the exclusive commercial rights holder to the MotoGP World Championship , from British private investment company Bridgepoint and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“ CPP Investments ”). MotoGP will now become part of Liberty Media ’ s Formula One Group . Carmelo Ezpeleta is to remain as CEO . He has led the organisation since 1994 and the business will remain headquartered in Madrid . Liberty Media will acquire 86 % of MotoGP with MotoGP management retaining approximately 14 % of its equity in the business . The transaction reflects an enterprise value for MotoGP of € 4.2bn and an equity value of € 3.5bn , with the existing debt balance at MotoGP expected to remain in place after close . The equity consideration to sellers is expected to be comprised of approximately 65 % cash , 21 % in |
shares of Series C Liberty Formula One common stock ( Nasdaq : FWONK ) and 14 % of retained MotoGP management equity . The cash consideration will be funded with a mix of cash and debt , subject to market conditions . The FWONK share consideration will be priced on a 20- day volume weighted average price
prior to transaction close . Liberty Media retains an option at its sole discretion to deliver additional cash in lieu of FWONK common stock . Carmelo Ezpeleta is quoted as saying : “ This is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP , and we are excited for what this milestone brings to Dorna , the MotoGP paddock and racing fans .
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“ We are proud of the global sport we ’ ve grown , and this transaction is a testament to the value of the sport today and its growth potential . Liberty has an incredible track record in developing sports assets and we could not wish for a better partner to expand MotoGP ’ s fanbase around the world .” The acquisition is expected to be completed by year-end 2024 and is subject to the receipt of clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions . In a conference call with analysts , Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei suggested that he expected no issues with clearance for the deal , but history would suggest otherwise . CVC Capital Partners , who sold Formula One to Liberty in 2017 , had to sell Dorna in 2006 as a condition imposed by the European Commission in its then purchase of F1 . For that reason alone , some observers think it likely that the deal may well face regulatory headwinds , especially
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