Clearlake Capital Group is set to take full control of Chelsea after agreeing to buy out the minority stakes held by co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter, with Boehly stepping down as chairman of the English Premier League club.
Chelsea said on Wednesday that Clearlake had teamed up with fellow minority owner Hansjorg Wyss to acquire the stakes, which represent about a quarter of the club. British media have reported the deal could be worth around £950 million (US$1.27 billion).
“Clearlake intends to continue building on the strategic course the club is now on and realising the ambition that the ownership group has developed together,” Chelsea said in a statement.
“There will be no changes to the day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy at the club.”
Boehly said it had been an honour to serve as chairman and expressed confidence in the club’s future under Clearlake.
“I have valued my partnership with Clearlake and the wider ownership group, and the collective decisions and investment we have made to support the immediate and long-term success of the Club,” he said.
“I am confident that Chelsea is well positioned for continued success under Clearlake’s leadership.”
Clearlake, co-founded by Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, will now become Chelsea’s controlling owner following the transaction.
Boehly, Walter, Wyss and Clearlake bought Chelsea from former owner Roman Abramovich in May 2022 in a deal reported by British media to be worth £4.25 billion.
Boehly, who also co-owns the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, had served as Chelsea chairman since the takeover.
Chelsea are currently sixth in the Premier League after two wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening four matches of the season.
Reuters
