Europe’s Richest: LVMH’s Arnault Family Partners with Red Bull to Transform Paris FC

The Arnault family, owners of the luxury conglomerate LVMH, has revealed an ambitious plan to turn Paris FC into a leading force in French football. This strategy will involve the expertise of Jürgen Klopp, as well as a partnership with energy drink giant Red Bull, which will become a minority shareholder.

As part of the deal, Klopp will join Red Bull in January, taking on the role of Global Head of Football. Antoine Arnault, son of billionaire Bernard Arnault, mentioned that he had multiple discussions with Klopp, who expressed great enthusiasm for collaborating on the project.

Speaking at a press conference held at the club’s training facility in Orly, 13.7 miles south of Paris, Arnault emphasized that they were not embarking on this endeavor alone. He acknowledged Red Bull’s partnership, noting that while his family excels in management, they lack experience in football operations. He emphasized their plan to draw on Red Bull’s successful methods to harness the vast talent pool in the Paris area, which he considered second only to São Paulo.

Arnault shared details of the family’s intentions for their majority stake in Paris FC, explaining that this was a collective effort involving his siblings. He recalled how football has been a personal passion of his since childhood, making it an exciting departure from their traditional business ventures.

The family’s holding company, Agache, will initially acquire a 52% share of the club, while Red Bull will hold an 11% stake. Arnault himself will take a seat on the Paris FC board representing Agache. The current owner and president of the club, Pierre Ferracci, will keep 30% ownership for now. He confirmed that the French league had approved the acquisition, which is set to be finalized by November 29. By 2027, the Arnault family is projected to control about 80% of the club’s shares, with Red Bull increasing its stake to 15%.

With this acquisition, Paris FC could emerge as a potential competitor to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the city’s dominant football club backed by Qatari investors. However, Arnault downplayed any notion of rivalry, expressing his long-standing affection for PSG and hinting that he might support both Parisian clubs.

Arnault characterized the project as a long-term initiative aimed at boosting the fortunes of both the men’s and women’s teams at Paris FC. Ferracci, who has led the club since 2012, underscored the importance of sustainable development, pointing out that French football has been heavily influenced by foreign investments. He suggested that the success of Paris FC, backed by French capital, could set a positive example.

Paris FC, founded in 1969, has had limited accomplishments on the men’s side. This year, however, the team is at the top of the second division with more than half the season left to play. The women’s team currently competes in France’s premier league and the Women’s Champions League.

Arnault clarified that profit was not the primary motivation behind the takeover. Instead, he spoke of the emotional experiences they hoped to offer fans, noting that the recent Olympic Games and their positive impact had served as inspiration. While stressing the importance of maintaining financial discipline, he acknowledged that they would work towards a balanced budget without unnecessary spending.

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