PSG sells stake to Qataris
Reuters - Tuesday 31 May 2011, 11:18
PARIS - Qatari investors have bought a 70
percent stake in French top-flight football club Paris Saint-Germain,
PSG said on Tuesday.
Colony Capital, the American owners of the capital city's
only Ligue 1 club, said in December it was in talks to lure new
investors.
"Colony Capital and an investment company in Qatar have
announced that they have finalised a draft agreement under which
the new partner becomes a 70 percent shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain with Colony Capital keeping 30 percent," a statement
said.
The statement did not include the name of the investment
firm but French media said it was called Qatar Investment
Authority, founded by the Qatar state.
PSG, who have battled hooligan problems and poor recent
results on the pitch, finished fourth in the French league this
season having won the domestic Cup last year.
French football has struggled in general for major investment
with the more lucrative English Premier League attracting club
buyers from around the world including the United States.
"This partnership follows the will of Colony to ensure the
development and growth of PSG in the long term," the PSG
statement added.
"Collectively, Colony and its new partner will continue the
work initiated at PSG in the last five years to further enhance
its influence and visibility."