Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United in late 2023, a move that was officially ratified in February 2024 granting INEOS sporting control over the club. This marked the end of the Glazers family’s reign for Manchester United fans who welcomed Ratcliffe presence as someone actively seeking change within the club. Despite the Glazers’ significant spending during their tenure, Manchester United performance declined prompting Ratcliffe involvement to steer the club in a new direction.
His influence extends beyond football with INEOS delving into various sports ventures under his leadership. Ratcliffe wealth ranking as the 114th richest person globally and the second richest in the UK according to Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires list, positions him to oversee some of the largest sporting organizations worldwide. INEOS founded by Ratcliffe in 1998 is renowned as a leading manufacturer of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and oil products.
With Ratcliffe increasing prominence in reshaping Manchester United trajectory including potential plans for a new stadium scrutiny has intensified on every sports club under his ownership. His first foray into sports came in 2017 with the acquisition of FC Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland. Despite initial investments in youth and community sports, Lausanne performance on the field has been inconsistent, experiencing relegation and promotion cycles.
In 2019, Ratcliffe purchased OGC Nice in France with expectations of providing financial support for the club’s progression. However, despite previous success under other management, Nice results have fluctuated and significant financial investments have not yielded the desired outcomes. INEOS Grenadiers, formerly Team Sky was another venture by Ratcliffe in the world of cycling where he hoped to continue the success of its predecessor. Despite notable achievements such as winning the Tour de France, the team has faced challenges maintaining its dominance.
Ratcliffe involvement extended to Formula 1 with INEOS becoming a shareholder of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team in 2020. However, Mercedes has faced setbacks since then struggling with consistency and regulatory changes. In the realm of sailing, Ratcliffe involvement with INEOS Britannia aimed to support the team’s participation in the America’s Cup. While the outcome of this venture remains uncertain, Ratcliffe financial backing has been instrumental.
Finally, Ratcliffe latest acquisition saw him become a co-owner of Manchester United with a focus on restructuring the club and potential stadium redevelopment. With Ratcliffe considerable resources and determination for change, the future of Manchester United and his other sporting ventures remains a subject of keen interest and speculation.
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