49ers Enterprises agree takeover of Leeds United after clubs relegation
The Guardian Leeds are on course to be under new, North American ownership after the 49ers Enterprises agreed a full takeover of the Championship club on Friday night.
In buying out Andrea Radrizzani, the United States based 49ers, an investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, will up their holding in Leeds from 44% to 100% control. Although the deal still needs to pass the English Football Leagues owners and directors test, a process expected to take a number of weeks, the requirement is regarded as a formality.
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The reason it is likely to take most of the summer for the EFL to grant their official blessing is that 49ers Enterprises comprise around 60 individual investors loosely connected to the NFL franchise. All must be individually examined by the EFL before Radrizzani can formally cut ties in West Yorkshire. The Italian media executive has held a majority stake in Leeds for the last six years after buying the club from Massimo Cellino for 45m.
