Liberty Media Corporationmanagement company of the Formula 1 world championship, announced this Monday an agreement to acquire MotoGP for more than 4,000 million euros. This new agreement will allow Dorna Sportsthe exclusive holder of the commercial and television rights to MotoGP, remains an independently managed company and attributed to the Liberty Media Formula One group. Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has been CEO since 1994, will remain in his role and continue to run the business alongside his management team. For their part, local authorities do not consider, at the moment, that this will mean changes to the sports calendar.
The vice president of Motorland and mayor of Alcañiz, Miguel Angel Estevanexplained this Monday on Radio La COMARCA after hearing the news that does not expect major changes regarding the Bajo Aragonese route regards his position in the MotoGP world championship. «If there are changes, I hope they are for the better. We want to benefit and be noticed. Even who knows if we could bring a Formula 1 test. They are going to be the same company«, has advanced the mayor of Alcañiz. Furthermore, the first mayor and second person in charge of the circuit has assured that the negotiations for the renewal of the Aragon MotoGP GP for the next three years is very advanced and that there is no danger. «The commitment until 2027 is firm and the procedures are very advanced. This doesn’t have to change anything,” he stated.
Purchase details
As far as the transaction is concerned, Liberty Media will acquire approximately 86% of Dorna, and management will retain approximately 14% of its equity in the business. The transaction reflects an enterprise value of €4.2 billion and an equity value of €3.5 billion. “We are delighted to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media. «MotoGP is a global league with a loyal and enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a financial profile that generates great cash flow. Carmelo and his management team have built a great sports spectacle that we can expand to a broader global audience. The business has important advantages and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders,” he added.
For his part, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, has asserted that this is the next step in the MotoGP evolution and he seemed excited. “We are proud of the global sport we have developed and this transaction is a testament to the value of today’s sport and its growth potential. “Liberty Media has an incredible track record in developing sporting assets and we couldn’t wish for a better partner to expand the MotoGP fan base around the world,” he stressed.
In this regard it has also confirmed thatThe acquisition will be completed by the end of 2024 and which is subject to the receipt of authorizations and approvals from the legal authorities of competition and foreign investment in various jurisdictions.
It should also be noted that Dorna, and therefore also Liberty Media, has exclusive rights to other motorcycle racing series, including the series of MotoGP, Moto2 y Moto3, MotoEthe World Championship Superbike and the new World Circuit Racing Championship Female FIM.
