LATEST NEWS: Chelsea’s ownership has resurfaced as a significant issue with reports emerging about Todd Boehly’s interest in acquiring full control of the club.
Currently, Clearlake Capital holds a 61.5% majority stake in Chelsea. According to sources close to *football.london*, the firm has no intention of exiting Stamford Bridge in the near future. Behdad Eghbali, co-founder of Clearlake, is reportedly unfazed by Todd Boehly’s ambitions for complete ownership.
Boehly’s Ambitions vs. Clearlake’s Position
Boehly now faces two choices: either maintain his current stake in Chelsea or consider selling his shares to Clearlake Capital, which holds the majority stake in the club.
Understanding Clearlake Capital
Clearlake Capital, founded in 2006, is a private equity firm that specializes in investing in private companies or acquiring public companies to improve their profitability. The firm’s investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including private equity, credit, and other financial areas, focusing on ventures with significant return potential.
Clearlake Capital manages over $80 billion (£61 billion) in assets worldwide. Although headquartered in Santa Monica, California, the firm has additional offices in major cities such as London, Dublin, and Singapore.
Clearlake Capital’s Investments
While Chelsea is Clearlake’s sole investment in the sports sector, the firm has a diverse investment portfolio across multiple industries. Other notable investments include Wellness Pet Company, VictoryLive—a sports and entertainment company—and Discovery Education. This broad investment approach contrasts with Boehly’s other interests, which include ownership of the LA Dodgers and LA Sparks.