France captain Kylian Mbappe has bought Ligue 2 club SM Caen from Oaktree Capital, marking his entry into football club ownership.
France's football star Kylian Mbappe has made a significant move off the pitch by buying a majority stake in Ligue 2 club Stade Malherbe Caen.
Mbappe’s investment firm, Coalition Capital, which is part of his company Interconnected Ventures, has acquired 80% of the club from American investment fund Oaktree Capital Management. Here is all that you need to know about this matter.
Kylian Mbappe Buys French Football Club Caen From Oaktree Capital
Mbappe, who recently transferred to Real Madrid, is not just focused on his career as a player but is also looking to make a mark in the business side of football. The French football star has bought a majority stake in Ligue 2 club Stade Malherbe Caen.
Oaktree Capital has been the majority shareholder of SM Caen since 2020. However, the investment firm decided to sell its stake, paving the way for Mbappe's involvement. The acquisition fee, although not officially disclosed, is reported by French media to be between 15 to 20 million euros ($16-21.6 million).
Through this acquisition, Mbappe aims to help Caen develop strategically and strengthen its position in French football.
Caen, founded in 1913, has a rich history but has been playing in France’s second division since 2019. The club finished sixth last season and aims to rise back to the top tier of French football.
Pierre-Antoine Capton, who is currently a minority shareholder and the president of the club’s supervisory board, will remain involved in the club, however, he remains a minority shareholder through PAC Invest. Capton said, "This is a great opportunity for Caen. Coalition Capital brings unique values, commitments, and vision to the project."
Mbappe's close friend, Ziad Hammoud, will take over as the chairman of the club. Hammoud emphasized their determination to create an environment where young talent can thrive and the club can grow stronger.
"This transaction marks a significant step in the club's strategic development and reinforces its natural ambition to remain among the historic places in French football," said a statement from the club. Hammoud added, "We are determined to create an environment where young talent can flourish and where the club can defend its identity with strength and ambition."
The investment is expected to provide Caen with additional resources to improve its sports policy, modernize its infrastructure, and develop innovative projects.
Overall, Kylian Mbappe's acquisition of Caen marks a significant step in his off-field career and offers a promising future for the club. With Mbappe's influence and Coalition Capital's investment, Caen seems to have a brighter and more ambitious future in French football.