Private equity giant Apollo is set to take the reins at Atlético de Madrid this week. Having reached an agreement last November to acquire a 55% stake in the Spanish football club, the firm plans to finalize the transaction on March 12, marking a major shift in the club’s ownership structure.
Deal Valuation and Ownership
The transaction, carried out through the Apollo Sports Capital fund, values Atlético de Madrid at €2.5 billion, including debt. Following the completion of the deal, current majority shareholder and CEO Miguel Ãngel Gil MarÃn will reduce his stake to approximately 10%.
The new ownership breakdown will see the British firm Quantum Pacific, founded by Idan Ofer, become the second-largest shareholder with a 25% stake. Meanwhile, Ares Management will hold roughly 5%, and club president Enrique Cerezo will retain approximately 3%. Representatives from Apollo are expected to take control of the board of directors, with Javier Valle among the new appointees.
Future Strategy and Capital Investment
As part of the agreement, both Miguel Ãngel Gil MarÃn and Enrique Cerezo have committed to remaining in their management roles for at least the next three years, bound by a lock-up agreement that prevents them from selling their shares during this period.
The acquisition also includes a significant capital increase intended to fuel the club’s growth. A primary focus for this investment is the “Ciudad del Deporte” project, an ambitious urban development near the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid’s San Blas district. The club, having secured a 75-year land concession from the Madrid City Council, plans to develop leisure and sports facilities with an estimated total investment of €800 million, leveraging both club capital and private investor backing.
This move signals a new era for Los Colchoneros, providing the financial stability needed to support long-term infrastructure goals and compete at the highest level of European football.