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Former Sevilla Board Member Launches Bid for Club Takeover

Sevilla's Stadium Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan

Key Takeaways:

  • Antonio Lappí, a businessman from Seville and former Sevilla board member, has presented an offer to the club’s main shareholders to gain control
  • Lappí, with support from Federico Quintero, faces competition from foreign investment funds offering up to 3,000 euros per share
  • The proposal aims to secure the near-certain return of Monchi, who recently departed Aston Villa

Background to the Proposed Takeover

Antonio Lappí, a well-known Sevillian businessman and previously a board member at Sevilla FC, has submitted a formal bid to acquire majority control of the club. With Sevilla currently enduring severe institutional, financial, and sporting challenges, Lappí has put forward his offer to the principal shareholders, seeking to implement a new direction at the Andalusian side.

Supporting Lappí in this approach is Federico Quintero, the founder of El Desmarque. The pair have initiated discussions with key shareholders, beginning with José María del Nido Benavente, who holds a 25% stake. Other targets include the Sevillistas de Nervión group – comprised of José Castro along with the Alés and Guijarro families – as well as the Carrión family and an American investment group that controls approximately 14% of the shares.

Complex Negotiations and Stiff Competition

The value per share in Lappí’s bid has not been revealed. Nevertheless, the acquisition process is notably complicated by the substantial financial requirements and existing agreements among shareholder groups. These agreements feature drag-along rights and stipulate multi-million-euro penalties should they be violated.

Lappí’s ‘third way’ proposal is set against the backdrop of fierce rivalry, as several well-capitalised foreign investment funds are also tabling their own offers. According to major shareholders, these rival bids have climbed as high as 3,000 euros per share. Market speculation intensified recently, especially during Sevilla’s match against Barcelona, due to the presence in the VIP box of four senior Goldman Sachs executives. The American financial firm, which has extended large loans to a number of Spanish clubs, had previously issued Sevilla a 108-million-euro credit facility.

Potential BuyerTypeDetails
Antonio Lappí & Federico QuinteroLocal ConsortiumOffer details undisclosed; focus on return of Monchi
Foreign Investment FundsInternationalReported offers up to 3,000 euros per share
Goldman Sachs (observer/creditor)Financial InstitutionGranted Sevilla a 108-million-euro loan; no formal bid disclosed

Potential Return of Monchi

A key element of the Lappí-Quintero bid is the anticipated return of Monchi, a highly regarded figure in Sevilla’s recent history. Having previously left Aston Villa, Monchi is currently presiding over a newly established team in his hometown of San Fernando. He has been outspoken regarding his close relationship with the two backers, stating that both Lappí and Quintero are “businessmen of recognized value,” referring to one as his “friend” and the other as his “brother.”

Summary

The unfolding takeover saga at Sevilla FC pits local figures like Lappí and Quintero against multiple foreign investors with significant financial resources. While financial negotiations grow increasingly complex, the outcome could play a decisive role in the club’s future both on and off the pitch, especially with the involvement of influential personalities such as Monchi.


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