Niners-affiliated financial group increased its investment in the Premier League club by 22 percent
The investment entity affiliated to the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL, 49ers Companies, Increased its minority stake in the Leeds United at 37 percent, the team announced Monday.
The additional investment represents a 22 percent increase in the initial stake acquired by 49ers Companies in 2018 and will result in Paraag Marathe, the executive vice president of football operations for the 49ers, Become Vice President of Leeds United. Marathe, who also serves as president of 49ers Companies, Will retain his place as a member of the English Premier League club board.
The president of the Leeds United, Andrea Radrizzani, will continue to be the majority owner and president of the Leeds.
“We are delighted to welcome more investment in our club by 49ers Companies and I’m sure this recent partnership will help Leeds United it will continue to grow and become a team that our fans deserve, “Radrizzani said in a statement.” I’ve always been open to bringing partners on this trip with me, as long as those actions can benefit the club’s long-term strategy. ”
The initial association between Leeds United and the 49ers has coincided with the promotion of the English Championship club to the Premier League for the first time since its relegation after the 2003-2004 season.
“Now that we’ve gotten the promotion and had a positive start in the new campaign, there’s no better time to look to the future, as our goal is to take this club to the next level, initially becoming a team established in the Premier League before pursuing our dream of leading the Leeds United back in Europe, “Radrizzani added.” We also need to focus on reaching our commercial potential and developing Elland Road and our training facilities. ”
Marathe oversaw the development of Levi’s Stadium, the $ 1.3 billion stadium of the 49ers which opened in 2014 and is closely involved in the salaries of team players and the statistics department. As Vice President of the Leeds, he and the Vice President of 49ers Companies, Collin Meador, “will be more involved in the decision-making process and day-to-day operations,” according to the statement.
“Our team of 49ers Companies he has always shared Andrea’s vision [Radrizzani] building a powerful, winning club in the world’s most competitive football league and the experience of the last three seasons has been more exciting than we could have imagined, ”Marathe said.
“The hard work and bold leadership shown by Andrea and her talented team has restored her place in the ‘ Leeds United in the Premier League and we look forward to playing an even more important role in supporting their efforts to get on the table this year and in the future. “
Leeds United is currently ranked No. 12 in the Premier League and faces Newcastle United on Tuesday.