Bernard Arnault Nears Majority Stake in Paris FC with Red Bull Partnership
Bernard Arnault, the billionaire owner of luxury giant Louis Vuitton and one of the world’s richest individuals, is on the verge of acquiring an 85% stake in Paris FC, a football club competing in France’s second division. With a net worth of approximately $182 billion, Arnault aims to buy out the current chairman Pierre Ferracci, who holds a 30% stake, along with an additional 55% to establish majority control. This move signals Arnault’s strategic entry into the sports industry.
To enhance Paris FC’s competitiveness, Arnault has partnered with Red Bull, known for its extensive experience in sports management and ownership of multiple football clubs globally. As part of the deal, Red Bull is expected to secure a 15% stake in Paris FC, aiming to elevate the club’s performance and ambitions, including aspirations for promotion to Ligue 1 and participation in the Champions League.
Founded in 1972, Paris FC has gained a solid reputation, particularly for its youth academy, and currently leads its division. Reports from the French sports publication L’Équipe indicate that Arnault and his team plan to invest between €100 million and €200 million in the club over the coming years to support its promotion efforts and future competitiveness on both national and European stages.
Arnault’s increasing interest in sports reflects a broader trend among France’s wealthy elite. His recent endeavors include Louis Vuitton’s substantial sponsorship of Formula 1 and involvement in the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. At 75, Arnault has built a global empire with over 70 luxury brands under the LVMH umbrella, which is valued at nearly half a trillion dollars. His ventures into sports mirror the movements of other affluent families in France, such as the Pinault family’s ownership of Stade Rennes, indicating a growing influence in diverse sectors.
