Liberty Media, US-based owner of F1, to Acquire MotoGP for 4.2 Billion Euros

Liberty Media, the US-based owner of Formula One, has announced the acquisition of MotoGP’s parent company, Dorna, for 4.2 billion euros ($4.53 billion). The deal will see Liberty Media acquiring approximately 86% of Dorna, with Dorna management retaining around 14% of its equity. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Dorna will remain an independently run company under Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock and will continue to be based in Madrid. Carmelo Ezpeleta, the long-serving CEO of Dorna, will retain his position in the company. “This is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP,” Ezpeleta said in a statement released by Liberty Media.

The deal reflects an enterprise value of 4.2 billion euros for Dorna/MotoGP and an equity value of 3.5 billion euros. In addition to MotoGP, Dorna Sports also promotes the World Superbike Championship, MotoE, Moto2, and Moto3. Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei expressed excitement about expanding the company’s portfolio with the acquisition of MotoGP.

Maffei highlighted the growth potential of MotoGP, especially in new markets like the United States. He mentioned that the sport’s commercial partners, teams, fans, and shareholders stand to benefit from this acquisition. Despite some regulatory concerns, Maffei and Liberty’s legal officer are confident that the deal will proceed smoothly after filing for anti-trust clearance in various countries.

Back in 2006, CVC Capital Partners had to sell Dorna as a condition imposed by the European Commission in the purchase of F1. However, the current situation is different, according to Maffei, and they are optimistic about the merger’s regulatory approval. The acquisition is set to close in the fourth quarter after completing the necessary filings and obtaining anti-trust clearance in multiple jurisdictions.