Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is eyeing a substantial investment with the potential takeover of The Telegraph newspaper, which may be merged with regional publisher National World. Boehly, who shares ownership of Chelsea with US private equity firm Clearlake Capital since May 2022, is spearheading this potential acquisition through his investment vehicle, Eldridge Industries.
National World, as reported by the Independent, has acknowledged a notification from Eldridge suggesting it is contemplating proposing an acquisition of the entire company. Should Eldridge issue a formal bid, a competitive battle could emerge with UK-based Media Concierge Limited. This company, a shareholder in National World, recently secured a £65.1 million acquisition offer approved by other shareholders.
Boehly’s interest in The Telegraph, one of Britain’s most prominent newspapers, has persisted since late 2024. The current owners, RedBird IMI, are eager to sell the Telegraph Media Group, originally acquired from the Barclay family. The UK government previously obstructed a planned takeover due to involvement from Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, vice-president of the UAE. In 2023, RedBird Capital Partners, who own AC Milan and hold a stake in Liverpool’s Fenway Sports Group, partnered with RedBird IMI.
This sale process follows RedBird IMI’s effective control of TMG after settling the Barclay family’s debts, including a £600 million loan. In October last year, RedBird IMI announced that The New York Sun’s owner, Manchester-born Dovid Efune, entered exclusive discussions to purchase The Telegraph for approximately £550 million.
While Boehly’s stake in Chelsea does not involve Eldridge Industries, acquiring another iconic London brand would expand his investment portfolio in the area. This move comes as the club contemplates future developments for Stamford Bridge, including a potential new stadium in London. “It’s a complex scenario, not akin to building in a rural area,” Boehly remarked this week. “We have various stakeholders to consider, including the Chelsea fanbase. Long term, we envision constructing something new, and we’ll find a solution.”
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