Leeds United’s new owners, The 49ers, have decided to cash in on a minority stake of the club and have sold a percentage to the Ackerley family – who own a portion of NHL side Seattle Kraken.
The 49ers only completed the entire takeover of Leeds United from Andrea Radrizzani in the summer, buying out the Italian of his majority 56% stake. He has since returned to Italy, taking over Sampdoria.
The 49ers have made a good start, backing Leeds financially and seemingly willing to throw cash at the off-field improvement of the club, like refurbishing Elland Road. They have invested in the playing squad.
But now, it appears that the 49ers are ready to sell parts of their 100% take in order to bring in extra finances ahead of a Premier League push. Bloomberg report that they have already stuck a small sale.
It is unclear how much the Ackerley Partners will now own of Leeds. But, the private equity firm – who are based in Seattle – are one of a number of minority owners of Ice Hockey side Seattle Kraken.
“Ackerley Partners bought a minority stake in Leeds, according to a statement seen by Bloomberg. Ackerley Partners said it will provide strategic capital to expand the football and commercial operations.”
49ers sell minority stake of Leeds United to Ackerley Partners
It comes completely out of the blue that the 49ers have decided to cash in on a stake in the club, and that they are actively looking for another source of investment – by way of selling another small stake.
Maybe, a bit of a worry that The 49ers do not want to use all of their cash reserves on Leeds. Or, that they simply want more and have decided to sell small stakes of the club in order to bring in more cash.
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