MotoGP, on Monday, said in a statement that Formula One’s US-based owner Liberty Media has taken control of MotoGP’s parent company Dorna.
The statement added that Dorna will stay 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.
“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.
Under the agreement, Liberty Media will obtain roughly 86% ownership of Dorna, while Dorna’s management will maintain approximately 14% equity. Completion of the deal is anticipated by the conclusion of 2024.
The transaction reflects an enterprise value of €4.2bn for Dorna/MotoGP and an equity value of €3.5bn, the statement said.
Dorna Sports, previously holding around 40% ownership by British private investment firm Bridgepoint Group, is also responsible for promoting the World Superbike Championship and the all-electric MotoE series.
“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP. The business has significant upside, and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders,” Reuters quoted Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei as saying.
The acquisition may draw regulatory attention. In 2006, CVC Capital Partners, who sold Formula One to Liberty in 2017, were granted clearance by the European Commission to purchase F1 under the condition that they divest Dorna.
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