According to reports from Wall Street, Chelsea’s ownership structure could undergo its biggest recalibration since the takeover in 2022. This comes as minority shareholder Mark Walter has reportedly expressed his intention to divest his 12.8% stake in the West London giants. He isn’t the only shareholder looking for an exit, as Todd Boehly’s own holdings in Chelsea have become the subject of potential buyout deliberations. This leaves Clearlake Capital, the current majority owner, as the most likely acquirer of the duo’s shares.
Walter’s decision to sell his stake is reportedly connected to a serious legal situation across the pond. The wealthy businessman’s conglomerate, TWG Global, has affiliations with entities that secured loans worth around $16 billion, which has now led to serious inquiries from the US Attorney’s Office in Manhattan and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The loans are said to have been recorded on the balance sheets of insurance firms under Walter’s proprietorship without disclosure. It is worth noting that the magnate has already sold the Los Angeles Lakers at a $12.5 billion valuation.
Meanwhile, Clearlake Capital currently controls around 61.5% of BlueCo. If the private equity firm, fronted by Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano, purchases Walter’s and Boehly’s holdings, it could own more than 87% of BlueCo.
When Chelsea Legend Petit Slammed Blues’ American Ownership
All these potential money moves are happening against a backdrop of serious fan displeasure across the board. The Blues have seen five permanent managers been sacked since the BlueCo takeover in 2022. Last season saw the West Londoners finish 10th, while they lost the FA Cup and were knocked out of the Champions League.
That European exit, a troubling 8-2 defeat across two legs to Paris Saint-Germain, led Emmanuel Petit to speak about the American owners back in March:
“I think the American owners must understand that we respect, and I have huge respect for those who put the money on the table, but in the end, don’t put your nose in matters that you don’t understand… Football is a serious matter for so many people, and you are trying to make business all the time, which means the Chelsea fans are tired of it. They don’t want business at the club, they want success.”
Mere months after the France legend’s words, those very financiers look very inclined to liquidate their positions entirely. What this would mean for the club, especially as the season starts in less than a week, is uncertain at this time.