Formula One’s parent company, Liberty Media, has made headlines with its recent announcement of acquiring MotoGP’s parent company, Dorna, in a significant deal valued at $4.53 billion.
According to a statement released by MotoGP on Monday, Liberty Media will gain control of approximately 86% of Dorna, while the existing management will maintain a 14% equity stake. The acquisition is estimated to value Dorna/MotoGP at €4.2 billion ($4.53 billion) in terms of enterprise value, with an equity value of €3.5 billion.
Liberty Media’s President and CEO, Greg Maffei, expressed the company’s excitement about adding MotoGP to its roster of leading live sports and entertainment properties in a statement. Similarly, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, also welcomed the acquisition as a significant milestone for MotoGP and racing enthusiasts globally.
However, the acquisition is subject to regulatory clearances and approvals, with an expected completion timeline by the end of the year. The deal might attract regulatory scrutiny, given the historical conditions associated with Dorna’s ownership. In the past, CVC Capital Partners’ acquisition of Formula One in 2006, has faced similar regulatory checks.
