Prospective buyers enter talks for INEOS-owned OGC Nice as sale hinges on Ligue 1 licence
INEOS has shifted focus to Manchester United while Lazard manages the sale process, with the club currently sitting three points clear of relegation rivals.
Reports indicate that American investors are in advanced discussions to acquire OGC Nice, a club currently owned by INEOS and managed by financial advisor Lazard. While INEOS has redirected its strategic focus following the acquisition of a minority stake in Manchester United, two prospective buyers are reportedly engaged in talks. These potential purchasers include one group from the United States and another from Europe.
The American group has already visited the club's facilities alongside club president Jean-Claude Blanc. According to details provided by Nice-Matin, the club has been officially listed for sale for several months, yet investment activity from INEOS has remained minimal during this period. The French publication notes that while directors have confirmed the sale status, they have been scarce on providing further updates regarding the progress of the transaction.
INEOS initially sought to sell the club for €200m, a figure representing double the €100m purchase price paid in 2019. However, recouping the full acquisition fee appears highly improbable given current market conditions and the club's financial position. The final valuation will likely depend heavily on the club's ability to avoid relegation, which significantly impacts the sale price.
A definitive sale cannot be finalised until OGC Nice secures their place in Ligue 1 for the upcoming season. The club currently sits three points ahead of AJ Auxerre, who occupy the relegation play-off spot. This precarious sporting situation means that the outcome of the next match will directly influence the viability of the deal and the club's future.
The pair face each other in a crucial fixture scheduled for next weekend, a match described as potentially momentous for Nice's future. Until the club's licence for the next season is secured, the negotiations between the prospective buyers and the current owners remain in a state of flux.
While the specific identity and financial capacity of the prospective buyers remain undisclosed, the involvement of a US group suggests a significant shift in ownership demographics. The reliance on information from local sources like Nice-Matin, rather than official confirmations from INEOS or the club's directors, means that the exact timeline and final terms of the sale remain uncertain.
