- Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Founder and Chairman of INEOS, said: “We have looked at a lot of clubs in the manner we look at businesses in INEOS - for value and potential – and OGC Nice fulfils that criteria. With some sensible, measured investment, we want to establish OGC Nice as a team that competes in European club competition on a regular basis. And importantly, sustain it.”
- The Club will become part of ‘INEOS Football’ which is led by CEO Bob Ratcliffe.
- The deal has received all required approvals including French Competition Authority.
INEOS has today completed the deal to acquire OGC Nice Football Club.
INEOS, one of the world’s biggest and most exciting companies, owns a number of sports teams and believes its management philosophy will help to develop a strong club that will in time sustainably compete at a European level.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS said: ‘We are absolutely delighted about acquiring OGC Nice. It has been quite a long journey getting here, but it is unique, and we were determined to complete the purchase of the club. We have looked at a lot of clubs in the manner we look at businesses in INEOS - for value and potential - and Nice fulfils that criteria. With some sensible, measured investment, we want to establish OGC Nice as a team that competes in European club competition on a regular basis. And importantly, sustain it.”
“OGC Nice has a great history and tradition, with a passionate fan-base, whom will play an important role in our journey. The Allianz Riviera stadium is superb and the new training centre, which is integral for any successful team, is equally as impressive. It’s tough to improve on the location on the Med and over the last 20 years we have established roots in this beautiful area.”
INEOS also owns Lausanne Sports Football Club, which it acquired in November 2017.
Sir Jim added: “We made some mistakes at Lausanne, but we are fast learners, these have been rectified and we are already seeing the benefits. Clubs need to be successful off the pitch, as well as on it, and OGC Nice will be no different, as we look to take the club from strength to strength in all aspects over the coming years.”
INEOS acquisitions drive for value and potential for growth, with a close eye on the performance and a focus on costs across all its business.
“Patience is also important and the work we do here will be built on solid foundations. We have a plan in place and we will follow it. I am adamant we will not be the dumb money,” said Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe added:“It is a great compliment to our other sports initiatives - and it is also fantastic that the Tour de France starts in Nice next year, given the success of Team INEOS this year. Exciting times indeed.”
OGC Nice, who were founded in 1904, play their football in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. The team are managed by former World Cup winner Patrick Viera, with Brazilian defender Dante the current club captain.
The acquisition of OGC Nice has received all required approvals, including French Competition Authority.
ENDS
Media Contacts
Richard Longden (INEOS) 0041 21 627 7063 or 0041 7996 26123
Nicolas Bernard (OGC Nice) 0033 6 63 54 96 99
Damien Rech (OGC Nice) 0033 6 22 05 39 43
Mark Killick (Media Zoo) 020 7384 6980 or 07836 634449
Andrew McLachlan (Media Zoo)