The exorbitant sum that the owners of Formula 1 paid to purchase MotoGP, the top category of world motorcycling

British investment fund Bridgepoint announced the sale of its stake on Monday Dorna Sportsowner of MotoGPto the American Media Freedomowner of Formula 1Of 4.2 billion euros. Liberty Media specified in another parallel statement that it will acquire approximately 86% of Dornawhile the management of this company will retain approximately 14% of its equity in the business.

The American giant noted that MotoGP’s existing debt is expected to be maintained following the closing of the transaction, which is expected to close by the end of the year subject to approval by regulators in various jurisdictions.

Liberty Media explained it Carmelo EzpeletaCEO of Dorna Sports since 1994, he will retain the role and continue to run the business together with his management independently, while the Spanish-founded company will continue to have its headquarters in Madrid.

Bridgepoint, which had been investing in Dorna since 2006, specified that the sale to the American group involves its participation together with that of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments).

Dorna is the international sports management, communications and marketing company that owns the global rights to organize the MotoGP and WSBK championships, the two most important motorcycle racing series in the world.

The president of the Bridgepoint and Dorna Sports group, William Jackson, said in his note that he is proud of his relationship with the Spanish company over the last 18 years, “during which time MotoGP has become a truly global sports brand and enjoys a great success” .

According to Jackson, the collaboration has seen MotoGP “grow its fan base across five continents and become the most exciting sport in the world”.

For his part, Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei said in his statement that he is pleased to expand the portfolio of leading sports and live entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP.

“MotoGP is a global championship with a loyal and enthusiastic fan base, engaging racing and a financial profile that generates great cash flows. Carmelo and his management team have built a great sporting spectacle that we can expand to a wider global audience “, he has declared .

“The business has significant benefits and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders,” he added.

Ezpeleta stated in the joint statement with Liberty that “this is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP.”

“We are excited about what this milestone will bring to Dorna, the MotoGP paddock and racing fans,” he said.

The Spanish entrepreneur said he was proud to have grown the sport globally and noted that “this transaction is a testament to the value of today’s sport and its growth potential.”

“Liberty has an incredible track record in developing sports assets and we couldn’t ask for a better partner to expand MotoGP’s fan base around the world,” he added.