Chelsea chair Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter are considering selling their stakes in the club to majority owner Clearlake Capital, a deal that would give the private equity company full control at Stamford Bridge.
Key facts
- Boehly and Walter each own about 13% of Chelsea.
- Clearlake Capital already owns more than 60% of the club.
- A sale would give Clearlake effective control at around 86%.
- Clearlake's investment is managed by Behdad Eghbali and José E Feliciano.
- The consortium bought Chelsea from Roman Abramovich four years ago.
The Chelsea chair, Todd Boehly, and director Mark Walter are considering selling their shares in the club to majority owner Clearlake Capital, in a deal that would give the private equity company complete control at Stamford Bridge, according to the Guardian.
Clearlake already owns more than 60% of Chelsea. However, under an unusual arrangement agreed when the consortium bought the club from Roman Abramovich four years ago, Clearlake shares operational control with a group led by Boehly. Boehly, along with Walter and Hansjörg Wyss, each own about 13% of the club.
The Guardian reported that a sale of the Boehly and Walter stakes would take Clearlake’s holding to around 86%, giving the firm effective control of Chelsea.
Clearlake’s investment is managed by Behdad Eghbali and José E Feliciano, according to the Guardian.
The BBC reported that Boehly and Walter are exploring the sale of their stakes to majority owner Clearlake Capital. Sky Sports similarly reported that the pair have held talks about selling their shares to Clearlake.
The reports indicate the discussions are at an exploratory stage, with the parties in talks over a potential transfer of the shares.
Why it matters
A change in ownership structure could reshape decision-making at one of the Premier League's biggest clubs. Consolidating control under a single private equity firm would end the shared operational arrangement that has been in place since the club changed hands from Roman Abramovich.
Frequently asked questions
How much of Chelsea does Clearlake Capital currently own?
According to the Guardian, Clearlake Capital already owns more than 60% of Chelsea.
What would Clearlake's stake be after the sale?
A sale of the Boehly and Walter shares would give Clearlake effective control of the club at around 86%, according to the Guardian.
When did the current owners buy Chelsea?
The consortium bought Chelsea from Roman Abramovich four years ago, according to the Guardian.