Arnault family secures majority stake in Paris FC

In November 2024, the Arnault family, led by Bernard Arnault, completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in the second-tier French football club, Paris FC. This significant investment positions the Arnault family as the majority shareholder with a 52.4% stake through its Agache holding company. The energy drink company Red Bull also participated in the acquisition, securing a minority stake of 10.6%. In the deal, Alter Paris holds 29.8% of the shares while BRI retains the remaining 7.2%. The former president of Paris FC, Pierre Ferracci, remarked that this investment would allow the club to pursue ambitious objectives, particularly aimed at gaining promotion to Ligue 1, which would mark a milestone for Paris FC as it would join the prestigious Paris Saint-Germain in the top flight of French football for the first time in over 30 years. Antoine Arnault, the son of Bernard Arnault, articulated that the primary goal of the new ownership structure will be to facilitate Paris FC's rise to Ligue 1, as they currently lead Ligue 2. Significant investments are expected to accelerate the club's competitive positioning, with a forecasted increase in Arnault's stake to approximately 80% by 2027. This shift underscores a strategic move towards establishing Paris FC as a competitive entity in both French and European football. Moreover, Antoine has already begun dialogues with Red Bull’s new head of football, Jurgen Klopp, indicating a focus on leveraging expertise for footballing success. Paris FC’s new ownership is part of a broader trend among sports teams where corporate-backed investments seek to enhance performance and visibility. With Red Bull's proven track record in sports management through its investment in clubs like RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg, the inclusion of Red Bull promises to bring not just financial support but also vital strategic insights. The club's management structure will reflect this new alignment, ensuring that the interests of the Arnault family and Red Bull influence future decision-making. As Paris FC prepares to embark on this new chapter, the implications of these investments are profound. The infusion of capital is expected to improve player acquisitions, facilities, and marketing efforts. The club's current training ground, located near Orly airport, is anticipated to benefit from enhancements aimed at building a competitive edge in French football. This merger not only aims at immediate results for Paris FC but also positions it for long-term viability in the landscape of professional football.