Kieran Maguire: Man City chiefs have secured ‘jewel in the crown’ as new deal agreed
Man City are the “jewel in the crown” of Silver Lake’s investment portfolio and they will be delighted to have expanded their investment in City Football Group.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest news from behind the scenes at the multi-club empire.
City Football Group, who are 75 per cent owned by Abu Dhabi-based Newton Investment and Development, own 11 football teams worldwide.
American private equity firm Silver Lake first bought into the group with a 10 per cent stake in 2019.
As relayed by Bloomberg last Friday (16 September), they have now acquired an additional 4.1 per cent from China Media.
That means they own 14.5 per cent of the collective.
Maguire explained why the network of clubs is an attractive investment proposition.
“Silver Lake as an investment company have broadened their portfolio,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“They used to be purely a tech company but they have now got involved in rugby, baseball and football. I think the jewel in the crown, however, is their involvement with City Football Group.
“The multi-club model which is used by City Football Group is one that generates revenues 365 days per year.
“It can be scaled in terms of sponsorship deals and digital engagement with fans.
“All of these elements are broadly in line with the ambition of Silverlake to make a return on its investment.”
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor demands extended ban as “dangerous” Jack Grealish image emerges from Man City.