Yahoo Sports San Francisco 49ers increase stake in Leeds United
Leeds United have announced that NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers have increased their stake in the club following months of negotiations.
Telegraph Sport revealed the American groups plans to increase their stake back in October last year, with their share of the club increasing from 15 to 37 per cent.
Leeds owner, Andrea Radrizzani has been looking for fresh investment since the club were promoted back to the Premier League last summer and preferred to work with those he already has an excellent relationship with.
The move will see Paraag Marathe, 49ers Enterprises President and current LUFC Board Member, become the Vice Chairman of Leeds United.
Marathe – supported by 49ers Enterprises Vice President Collin Meador and other key 49ers personnel – will be more involved in the decision-making process and day-to-day running of the club, both in football and business operations as he has done for the 49ers for the last 20 years
“We are delighted to welcome further investment into our club from 49ers Enterprises and I am confident that this latest partnership will help Leeds United continue to grow and develop into the team our supporters deserve,” said Radrizzani.
“I have always been open to bringing partners on this journey with me, as long as these actions can benefit the long-term strategy of the club. Paraag and the team at 49ers Enterprises are uniquely positioned to collaborate with myself, Angus Kinnear, Victor Orta and our management team to help us achieve our goals.”
The announcement builds on a strategic partnership and equity stake initiated in 2018 when 49ers Enterprises purchased 15 per cent of the club from Andrea Radrizzani, who remains the majority stakeholder of the Yorkshire club.
“Our 49ers Enterprises team has always shared Andrea’s vision for constructing a powerful and winning club in the most competitive football league in the world, and the experience of the last three seasons has been more exhilarating than we could have ever imagined,” said Marathe.
“The hard work and bold leadership demonstrated by Andrea and his talented team has restored Leeds United’s rightful place in the Premier League and we look forward to playing an even bigger role in supporting their efforts to climb the table this year and into the future.”
