Arctos will also provide strategic services, expertise and insights aimed at helping the Club achieve its ambitions.
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and Arctos Partners (Arctos) have officially announced a landmark strategic partnership and investment deal. This collaboration will witness Arctos acquiring a minority common equity stake in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the French football club renowned as a global sports brand.
This strategic alliance is poised to lay the groundwork for PSG’s forthcoming phase of global expansion, propelling both its footballing and business success. Arctos’s investment will be instrumental in fostering the growth of PSG’s operations, with a particular focus on supporting strategic real estate initiatives, including the development phases of PSG’s training centre in Poissy, suburban Paris, and enhancements to its stadium.
Beyond the financial investment, Arctos will provide strategic services, leveraging its industry expertise and network to assist PSG in achieving its ambitious goals. These objectives encompass sustaining the growth driven by QSI, expanding PSG’s international footprint into new markets, particularly North America, engaging fans globally, and exploring sports investment opportunities worldwide.
Arctos, known for its deep industry knowledge and operational expertise, has a track record of investing in more than 20 professional sports organisations across major leagues, including MLB, NBA, MLS, NHL, Formula One, and European football.
For QSI, this partnership not only introduces a leading strategic ally but also crystallises the growth and value appreciation of PSG during QSI’s decade-plus custodianship, setting a new benchmark in European football.
Since QSI’s acquisition of PSG in 2011, the club has secured 30 men’s football trophies, including a record 11th French Ligue 1 title last year, bringing the total tally to 48 trophies since the club’s formation in 1970. PSG boasts a global community of more than 200m social media followers and has positioned itself as a creative force in fashion and lifestyle.
Under QSI’s ownership, PSG has achieved the fastest revenue growth among major European football teams and commercial success through top-ranking matchday and sponsorship revenues.
Arctos will act as a non-controlling owner, assuring that QSI retains full control over all decisions pertaining to PSG’s on-field sporting matters.
Commenting on the deal, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, said: “We are delighted to welcome Arctos into the Paris Saint-Germain family as a strategic partner and investor. As a Club and institution, we are entering the next exciting phase of PSG’s growth and development, both on and off the pitch – which is based on long-term ambitions and attaining excellence in everything we do. Arctos is a fantastic partner to help us achieve our goals, bringing strategic expertise, ideas and innovation to our business, while providing investment and new relationships to support our footballing and sporting goals. From day one, they have passionately believed in our project, our plan and vision for the Club – and we are proud to have them as part of our family. Today is an important milestone in Paris Saint Germain’s history, which will contribute greatly to the continued success and growth of our great Club.”
Doc O’Connor, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Arctos Partners, added: “QSI has transformed Paris Saint-Germain into one of the most renowned and successful football clubs in the world, building both a global brand and one of the most engaged fan communities in the world. Today, PSG is an iconic sports institution with a proud history and a regular contender for leading honors in domestic and European competitions. The first time we visited the Club, we felt the magic of PSG and its deep connection to the city of Paris. Our investment in the Club fully aligns with our strategy of partnering with best-in-class teams across North America and Europe. We are excited to be joining the PSG family and look forward to working together with President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi to maximise the Club’s potential, providing strategic expertise and investment to drive the next phase of development, growth and success of this great institution.”
Guggenheim Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor to Qatar Sports Investments and Paris Saint-Germain, while DLA Piper served as legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Arctos Partners.
