Liberty Media given “unconditional” inexperienced gentle for MotoGP acquisition

The European Fee has given the inexperienced gentle for Liberty Media to accumulate MotoGP promoter Dorna greater than a yr after the deal was first introduced.

In an official assertion launched this afternoon, the EC introduced its approval of Liberty Media’s acquisition of Dorna “with out circumstances.”

“The Fee has unconditionally authorized the proposed acquisition of Dorna Sports activities by Liberty Media Company beneath the EU Merger Regulation. The Fee concluded that the transaction won’t increase competitors considerations within the European Financial Space (EEA),” the official assertion mentioned.

“At this time’s resolution follows an in-depth investigation of the proposed transaction. Liberty Media and Dorna are each worldwide media firms. Liberty Media holds stakes in a variety of media, sports activities, and leisure firms, together with the Components 1 motor racing competitors. Dorna is the organizer and industrial rights holder of the Grand Prix Bike Racing World Championship (MotoGP).

“Based on Liberty Media, the transaction will allow it to leverage its experience in media, sports activities, and leisure—Components 1 included—to extend MotoGP’s recognition and attraction,” the assertion continued.

This process was the ultimate important hurdle earlier than the acquisition of 86% of the Spanish firm could possibly be accomplished. Liberty, which owns the industrial rights to the Components 1 World Championship, pays round $4.2 billion.

Dorna’s high administration, led by Carmelo Ezpeleta and Enrique Aldama, will retain the remaining 14% of the corporate.

Final Saturday in Mugello, Dorna organized a photograph with the homeowners of the 11 groups within the premier class, alongside Ezpeleta. That picture will probably be used for example the approaching change in possession. 

Though the acquisition settlement was introduced in April 2024, the European Fee’s involvement delayed the acquisition. 

In December, the competitors watchdog introduced the opening of an “in-depth investigation” into the sale as a result of considerations that the deal may place Liberty Media in a dominant place within the European race broadcasting rights market, which may in the end result in elevated shopper costs.

On the similar time, the inquiry additionally sought to find out whether or not the affect of John Malone – primary shareholder of each Liberty Media and Liberty World – may exclude rival broadcasters in international locations the place Liberty operates, equivalent to Belgium, Eire, and the Netherlands.

The deadline for this investigation expired on Could 14, and the choice needed to be made public earlier than July 1.

Ai Ogura, Trackhouse Racing

Picture by: Gold and Goose Pictures / LAT Photos / by way of Getty Photos

In early April, each the Capital Discussion board, a monetary information company, and Reuters reported that the EC supposed to approve the acquisition – one thing that was anticipated to be made official this similar week. Motorsport.com understands that the delay got here as Brussels believed the choice it reached may set authorized precedent for related future acquisitions.

Now that the acquisition has been confirmed, executives from either side will create a joint working group aimed toward increasing the MotoGP World Championship throughout all ranges and territories. Though there have already been conferences between each events, the primary joint classes to outline the brand new operations are anticipated to happen in Madrid, Dorna’s monetary headquarters, in the course of the second week of July.

Liberty’s arrival ought to put an finish to the uncertainty that has unfold by way of most of Dorna’s departments over the previous yr. Some of the uncovered areas is the industrial division, which is accountable for promoting TV rights, tickets, promoting and sponsorship area. The division additionally generates visibility for the collection and, basically, promotes the championship.

“The enterprise has important progress potential, and we purpose to drive the game’s progress for MotoGP followers, groups, industrial companions, and shareholders,” Liberty said in April final yr.

The prevailing sentiment amongst Dorna’s high brass is that MotoGP is an distinctive product that has but to totally realise its industrial potential. To handle this, the important thing areas of focus for the brand new homeowners can be to extend its attain and penetrate strategic markets – equivalent to america – to spice up TV audiences and appeal to main sponsors.

That is exactly what has allowed F1 to exponentially develop in recognition, with initiatives like Drive to Survive, the Netflix documentary collection that has boosted curiosity within the collection around the globe, or the lately launched Hollywood manufacturing F1: The Film, starring Brad Pitt.