The sports investment arm of the American fund Apollo, Apollo Sports Capital, has reached an agreement to become the majority shareholder of Atlético de Madrid, the Spanish club said on Monday (10).
Financial details were not revealed, but a source close to the deal said that the operation values the Madrid first division club at approximately 2.5 billion euros (R$15.5 billion), with Apollo acquiring around 55% of the shares.
The deal marks the latest investment in sports by private equity firms attracted by stable, predictable revenue streams.
The club’s CEO, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, and president, Enrique Cerezo, will remain in their positions and as shareholders, Atlético said. The investment is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
Sources told Reuters in September that the American company was looking to take control of the club by acquiring part of the stakes of Gil Marin, Cerezo and, possibly, investment fund Ares Management.
Until now, Atlético HoldCo owned around 70% of the club, with Gil Marin, Ares and Cerezo owning 50.8%, 34% and 15.2% respectively. Quantum Pacific held 27.8% outside of that group.
“We are equally excited to remain a minority investor and continue providing strategic support as the club consolidates its growth,” Jim Miller, co-director of Ares Sport and board member of Atlético HoldCo, told Reuters.
A&O Shearman acted as legal advisor to Apollo Sports Capital, and ECIJA advised Gil Marin and Cerezo.
