Key Takeaways:
- Apollo Global Management has entered advanced negotiations to acquire a majority holding in Atlético Madrid
- The club is currently valued at 2.5 billion euros, with 70 percent of shares controlled collectively by Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, Enrique Cerezo, and Ares Management via Atlético HoldCo
- Apollo controls assets exceeding $800 billion and intends to invest $5 billion in sports businesses
Acquisition Talks and Shareholder Structure
Advanced discussions are taking place regarding the sale of Atlético Madrid’s majority stake to the American investment firm Apollo Global Management, Reuters cited from three individuals familiar with the transaction.
Sources indicated varying options for the acquisition: one revealed that Apollo could purchase shares currently held by CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and board chairman Enrique Cerezo, while another suggested the acquisition might involve shares belonging to Ares Management. A third scenario outlined described Apollo initially taking a minority stake, which could later be increased to a controlling position exceeding 50 percent of the club.
💣🚨 MAJOR BREAKING: American private equity firm Apollo Global Management is VERY CLOSE to acquire more than 50% of Atlético Madrid, currently valued at €2.5 billion.
They plan to buy part of the shares from the four current shareholders (Miguel Ángel Gil Marín (50.82%),… pic.twitter.com/AXvlTyY1Er
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 19, 2025
Current Valuation and Ownership Details
Spanish media sources have set Atlético Madrid’s current valuation at 2.5 billion euros. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, Enrique Cerezo, and Ares Management collectively possess 70 percent of the club’s shares through their holding company, Atlético HoldCo. The remaining 30 percent is owned by Quantum Pacific.
| Shareholder | Ownership (%) | Holding Company |
|---|---|---|
| Gil Marín, Enrique Cerezo, Ares Management | 70 | Atlético HoldCo |
| Quantum Pacific | 30 | Quantum Pacific |
Investment Ambitions and Market Growth
Apollo Global Management manages more than $800 billion in assets. According to the Financial Times, the American fund has set plans to direct $5 billion toward investments in sports enterprises. Industry forecasts anticipate the worldwide sports market to yield $115 billion in 2025, with projections estimating this figure will rise to $160 billion by 2030.
