Lyon president Jean-Michel Auras said Tuesday that US businessman John Textor had signed a deal to complete the acquisition of seven French champions.
Eagle Football Holdings, a sports investment vehicle managed by Crystal Palace shareholder Textor, will acquire a majority stake in League 1 Club.
“We agreed. We shook hands overnight in the video and everything was signed at 3am on Monday,” Aulas said, adding that the board approved the deal.
Under the agreement, Textor will acquire minority shareholders Pathe and IDG Capital (holding 19.36% and 19.85%, respectively) and gradually sell Aulas’ family holding company Holnest (holding 27.72% of the capital). intend to do something.
Auras said the club president would continue for “at least three years.”
“John wanted to stay with me … it wasn’t an obligation, it was a fan’s wish,” he said, a wish of everyone involved in the club.
“OL … spreads its wings across borders and has a brand known all over the world. It’s the 20th club in the world. Why do I want to show up and change it?” Textor told reporters.
“I believe in dreaming with your eyes wide open. Jean-Michel and I really want a championship title and a victory in Europe.”
Textor also owns Brazil’s top club Botafogo and Belgium’s second division side RWD Molenbeek.
Lyon was unable to compete in his second European tournament in three seasons after finishing the 2021-22 campaign in 8th place under Peter Bosz.
