Liberty Media has obtained unconditional approval from the European Fee to finish the acquisition of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports activities, and is predicted to shut the transaction by July 3, 2025.
The ruling follows a “detailed investigation” by the Fee and evaluates whether or not the deal reduces competitors for licenses for broadcast rights for sports activities content material.
In the end, the committee concluded that the merger wouldn’t increase aggressive issues within the European economic system.
The final word regulatory inexperienced mild paves the way in which for F1 homeowners to start a brand new chapter in MotoGP historical past.
Liberty earns 84% of Dorna Sports activities, with the remaining 16% being retained by present MotoGP administration.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has been CEO of Dorna since 1998, will proceed to take cost of MotoGP “together with his administration staff.”
Nonetheless, Chase Carrie, director of Liberty Media and former CEO of System 1, and Shawn Blacci, former managing industrial operations director of System 1, will be part of Dona’s board of administrators Espereta and Enriquear Dama.
“At present’s approval from the European Fee identifies the ultimate circumstances for ending Liberty’s MotoGP acquisition,” stated Derek Chang, president and CEO of Liberty Media. “We’re thrilled to formally launch Liberty’s partnership with Carmelo and his excellent administration staff.
“MotoGP is a extremely enticing premium sports activities asset with unbelievable racing, a passionate fanbase and a powerful money circulate profile. We consider there’s nice progress potential for sports activities and types.
MotoGP brand
Ezpeleta welcomed the EU’s resolution and stated that the arrival of Liberty Media is a pivotal step within the evolution of MotoGP.
“We’re extraordinarily happy that the European Fee has accredited the transaction,” Ezpereta stated. “This is a vital milestone that confirms the brighter future past MotoGP.
“MotoGP is without doubt one of the most thrilling sports activities on the planet and we stay up for accelerating the expansion of the game and increasing its scope to much more followers world wide.
“Liberty is the perfect associate attainable in our sport and throughout the MotoGP group, and we’re excited to create even higher worth for our followers, industrial companions and all our rivals.”
The deal valued MotoGP at 4.2 billion euros and positioned Liberty Media, replicating the commercially profitable conversion of F1, which noticed a surge in international income since its 2017 acquisition.
Particulars of MotoGP’s Liberty plans are anticipated to observe after the deal formally shuts down in early July.
