Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said Tuesday a deal had been struck for US businessman John Textor to complete the takeover of the seven-time French champions.
Eagle Football Holdings, a sports investment vehicle controlled by Crystal Palace shareholder Textor, is set to acquire a majority stake in the Ligue 1 club.
“We agreed, we shook hands via video overnight and by 3am Monday everything was signed,” Aulas said, adding that the board had approved the deal.
The agreement provides for Textor to acquire minority shareholders Pathe and IDG Capital – holding 19.36 percent and 19.85 percent of the shares respectively – and a phased sale of Holnest, Aulas’ family holding company, which owns 27.72 percent of the capital. buys up.
Aulas said he will remain club president “at least three years.”
“John wanted me to stay … it wasn’t an obligation, it was a wish from the fans,” he said.
“OL… has spread its wings beyond borders, it’s got a brand that’s known everywhere, it’s the 20th club in the world, so why would I want to show up and want to change any of that,” Textor told reporters.
“I believe in dreaming with your eyes open. Jean-Michel and I really want to win league titles and Europe.”
Textor also owns Brazilian first division club Botafogo and Belgian second division club RWD Molenbeek.
Lyon missed European competition for the second time in three seasons after finishing the 2021-22 season in eighth place under Peter Bosz.
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