F1 owner completes MotoGP takeover

It has officially been announced that F1 owners Liberty Media has completed an 86% takeover of MotoGP, with current owners Dorna retaining just 14%.

Liberty Media has not simply acquired the huge percentage of MotoGP, with the owners of F1 having acquired 86% of Dorna, who also own MotoGP’s junior categories as well as World Superbikes and the new FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.

The deal values Dorna and MotoGP atg €4.5 billion, with an equity value of €3.5 billion.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO.

“MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile. Carmelo and his management team have built a great sporting spectacle that we can expand to a wider global audience.

“The business has significant upside, and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders.”

‘Perfect next step’

Dorna’s Carmelo Ezpeleta will remain as CEO, a position he has held since 1994. Dorna will also remain based in Madrid, Spain.

Ezpeleta views this takeover as the “perfect next step” for the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport.

“This is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP, and we are excited for what this milestone brings to Dorna, the MotoGP paddock and racing fans,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna.

“We are proud of the global sport we’ve grown, and this transaction is a testament to the value of the sport today and its growth potential.

“Liberty Media has an incredible track record in developing sports assets and we could not wish for a better partner to expand MotoGP’s fanbase around the world.”