Background on Atlas FC and Orlegi Sports
Atlas FC, a prominent team in Mexico’s Liga MX, is embarking on a journey to find a new owner. Orlegi Sports, the current owner of Atlas FC’s franquicia, has been instrumental in the club’s recent success. Acquired by Orlegi Sports in 2019, the company demonstrated its expertise in football by securing back-to-back championships, ending a 70-year title drought in 2021. Moreover, Orlegi Sports established the “Aga High Performance Center” or “Academia Aga,” mirroring Santos Laguna’s approach.
Liga MX’s Push for Single Ownership
The Liga MX has been actively working to eliminate multi-ownership within its franchises. Recently, the sale of Querétaro FC was completed, and Atlas FC is now on the market. Once Grupo Pachuca sells Club León, Liga MX’s rule regarding single ownership will be fulfilled.
Moelis & Company to Lead Sale Process
According to sources close to the Atlas FC transition process, an American bank will oversee the sale. Moelis & Company, a global investment, advisory, and independent firm, has been chosen for this task. The company is recognized for its proficiency in identifying suitable investors.
Atlas FC’s Valuation and Investor Interest
Following Atlas FC’s bicampeonato in the Clausura 2022, club president José Riestra expressed ambitions to position the team among the top five most valuable franchises in Liga MX. Recent national and international sports property sales have set record-breaking figures, such as the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. The stock market will influence the final valuation, and American investors have recently shown interest in Liga MX teams.
Current Investment Trends
Currently, American investors are leading the charge in sports investments. For instance, Grupo Salinas owns 33% of Querétaro FC and Necaxa. When Atlas FC is sold, there will be no issue since Orlegi Sports owns 100% of the franchise, including Salinas’ share. Atlas FC is separate from Grupo Salinas’s interests.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the reason behind Atlas FC’s sale process? Orlegi Sports, current owners of Atlas FC, aim to find new investors to further enhance the club’s growth and position it among the top five most valuable franchises in Liga MX.
- Who will lead the sale process? Moelis & Company, a global investment, advisory, and independent firm, has been chosen to oversee the sale process.
- What is the current investment trend in Liga MX? American investors are increasingly interested in Liga MX teams, with recent high-value sales setting record-breaking figures.
- How will the sale of Atlas FC impact its ownership structure? Once sold, Atlas FC will be owned by new investors, separate from Grupo Salinas’s existing interests.
