Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire and INEOS founder, reportedly explored unconventional means of financing his bid to acquire Manchester United. According to The Athletic, Ratcliffe “floated the idea” of seeking investments from tech moguls Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. The aim was to leverage their immense wealth and global influence to secure the financial backing needed for the deal.
The Draw of Manchester United
Manchester United’s global appeal was at the heart of Ratcliffe’s pitch. As one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, the prospect of ownership offered both financial and brand advantages. Ratcliffe believed that billionaires like Musk, known for his ventures in Tesla and SpaceX, or Bezos, the founder of Amazon, could be enticed by the opportunity to own a stake in the footballing giant.
Unclear Outcome
Despite the ambitious nature of the proposal, it remains unclear whether these discussions gained significant traction. Neither Musk nor Bezos has publicly commented on the possibility of collaborating with Ratcliffe on the Manchester United deal.
Ratcliffe’s approach underscores the level of creativity required in high-stakes business negotiations involving football clubs. While the idea of Musk or Bezos investing in Manchester United might have been a long shot, it highlights the club’s unparalleled allure in the world of sports and business. As things stand, Manchester United’s ownership saga continues to evolve, keeping fans and stakeholders intrigued.