The Aston Martin F1 team is reportedly nearing a stake sale to two US financial institutions that would value Team Silverstone at an estimated $2 billion, a new benchmark valuation for an F1 team.
According to a report from Sky News, Silicon Valley venture capital firm Accel and private credit manager HPS Investments Partners headquartered in New York are set to invest “hundreds of millions of pounds” into the F1 team’s holding company, AMR GP Holdings Limited.
According to Sky’s sources, the two firms’ investments would reach an aggregate amount between £1.5 and £2 billion, with a deal “expected to be announced shortly”.
A source familiar with Aston Martin F1’s shareholder structure indicated that the latest sale would involve new investors acquiring a stake of approximately 20% to 25% in AMR GP Holdings Limited.
Sky’s report also mentioned that Aston Martin was being advised on the transaction by The Raine Group, the merchant bank known for handling the sale of Chelsea Football Club and facilitating Mercedes F1 shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a stake in Manchester United Football Club.
As part of its investment, HPS has reportedly agreed to refinance the debt associated with Aston Martin F1's technology campus at Silverstone, which opened in 2023.
Last year, Aston Martin Lagonda executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, who is attempting to steer the legendary automotive manufacturer towards profitability, sold a minority stake in the F1 team to Arctos Partners, a sports-focused private equity investor.
©AstonMartin
If confirmed, the transaction with HPS and Accel would mark the latest strategic move by the Canadian billionaire who is set to remain the majority shareholder in the F1 team.
Aston Martin currently sits fifth in F1 Constructors’ standings, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll classified respectively ninth and tenth in the Drivers’ championship.
As part of Lawrence Stroll’s bid to carry his team to the top of the sport’s rankings in the future, Aston Martin is set to announce ahead of next week’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix the hiring of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey.
The Briton’s high-profile move from Red Bull to Aston will undoubtedly raise expectations for the F1 team, and hopefully accelerate its move to the head of the field.
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