Liberty Media's proposed acquisition of MotoGP enters second phase

Formula One’s US-based owner Liberty Media Corporation has received notice of the European Commission opening a more in-depth (Phase II) investigation into its proposed acquisition of MotoGP.  The agreement to acquire MotoGP was announced in April and has since received all other necessary regulatory approvals.

In a transaction reflecting an enterprise value of €4.2 billion/US$4.5 billion for Dorna/MotoGP and an equity value of €3.5 billion/US$3.75 billion, Liberty Media’s acquisition of the world’s leading motorcycle racing championship will expand its portfolio of global sporting assets.

This new agreement will see Dorna Sports, the exclusive commercial and television rights holder of MotoGP™, remain an independently run company attributed to Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock.

As a result of the opening of a Phase II investigation, all parties have agreed to extend the review process and believe the European Commission will reach a positive conclusion.  

Carmelo Ezpeleta, Chief Executive MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports notes "we expect this acquisition to gain the requisite EU approval and are excited by the potential opportunity to work with Liberty Media. In the meantime, we remain committed to our strategy to take the sport to new heights and continue our impressive rate of growth, further expanding our global fanbase of over 500 million.

“2024 saw season attendance of more than three million fans for the first time ever, and six tracks set new all-time records for their events. Our French GP broke the all-time attendance record. Looking ahead, we don’t just want more of the same, we want even more – and we are proud that our strategy is already beginning to deliver it. We hope fans are just excited as we are about the future and the incredible new season that is just around the corner."

William Jackson, President of the Board of MotoGP (Dorna Sports) and Founder of Bridgepoint added "MotoGP is the most exciting sport in the world and has a great future ahead. Bridgepoint and CPPIB have been hugely supportive of the Company and sport and remain fully committed to helping Carmelo and the team continue to drive the fantastic success the sport has enjoyed during 18 years as shareholders together."

MotoGP is already seeing increased audiences and record crowds and the proposed acquisition by Liberty Media will accelerate this ongoing evolution for the benefit of all stakeholders in the sport.