Formula One owner Liberty Media

announces MotoGP takeover

Reuters
Apr 1, 2024, 06:29 AM ET

Share Like 41

Formula One's United States-based owner Liberty Media have announced a takeover of
MotoGP's parent company Dorna, valuing the world's leading motorcycle racing
championship at €4.2 billion ($4.53bn), MotoGP said in a statement on Monday.

Dorna will remain an independently run company attributed to Liberty Media's Formula
One Group tracking stock and continue to be based in Madrid, with long-serving Dorna
CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta remaining in his position, the statement added.

ADVERTISEMENT

- Unlapped: How to listen or watch ESPN's F1 show

"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," Ezpeleta said.

The deal will see Liberty Media acquiring approximately 86% of Dorna, with Dorna
management retaining the other 14% of its equity. The deal is expected to be completed by
the end of 2024.

The transaction reflects an enterprise value of €4.2bn for Dorna/MotoGP and an equity
value of €3.5bn, the statement said.
Liberty Media's takeover of Dorna values the motorcycle racing championship at €4.2 billion.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Dorna Sports, which was roughly 40% owned by British private investment company
Bridgepoint Group, also promotes the World Superbike Championship and all-electric
MotoE.

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

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

The takeover could attract regulatory scrutiny. CVC Capital Partners, who sold Formula
One to Liberty in 2017, were cleared by the European Commission to buy F1 in 2006 on
condition they sold Dorna.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) bought a 39% stake in Dorna from
Bridgepoint in 2012. The remaining shares were owned by Dorna management, whose
stake has dropped to 14% following the takeover.