Carmelo Ezpeleta is confident that Liberty Media will pass the European Commission investigation in their Dorna Sport buyout.
Liberty Media today received notice from the European Commission opening a Phase II investigation into its previously announced acquisition of MotoGP. We are confident this transaction will benefit MotoGP’s business, fans, viewers and the broader motorcycle industry. Market participants have widely recognized the benefits of the transaction.
There is a very large and growing market for audiovisual entertainment well beyond sports, and this transaction will enhance MotoGP’s ability to compete in this highly competitive market. We will continue to work with the European Commission as they progress their review and have agreed with the sellers to an extension of the longstop date to June 30, 2025 in order to accommodate the more in-depth investigation.
We believe that the European Commission will conclude that the transaction should be approved. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports: “We expect this acquisition to gain the requisite EU approval and are excited by the potential opportunity to work with Liberty Media.
“In the meantime, we remain committed to our strategy to take the sport to new heights and continue our impressive rate of growth, further expanding our global fanbase of over 500 million. 2024 saw season attendance of more than 3 million fans for the first time ever, and six tracks set new all-time records for their events.
“Our French GP broke the all-time attendance record. Looking ahead, we don’t just want more of the same, we want even more – and we are proud that our strategy is already beginning to deliver it. We hope fans are just excited as we are about the future and the incredible new season that is just around the corner.”
William Jackson, President of the Board of MotoGP (Dorna Sports) and Founder of Bridgepoint: “MotoGP is the most exciting sport in the world and has a great future ahead. Bridgepoint and CPPIB have been hugely supportive of the Company and sport and remain fully committed to helping Carmelo and the team continue to drive the fantastic success the sport has enjoyed during 18 years as shareholders together.”
[The story is as per press release]