Hellas Verona, the storied Italian football club, is on the verge of changing hands. The Serie A side are in advanced negotiations with Presidio Investors, an American private equity firm based in Austin, Texas, for a takeover that could reshape the club’s future.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the deal, which has been in the works for over a year, is expected to be finalized before Christmas. The acquisition price is reported to be between 72 and 75 million euros, with additional bonuses tied to the team’s continued presence in Serie A.
Presidio Investors, while experienced in various sectors including finance, real estate, entertainment, technology, and fashion, would be making its first foray into the world of football with this purchase. The American firm’s interest in Verona represents a growing trend of U.S. investment in Italian football, following similar acquisitions of clubs like AC Milan, Inter Milan, AS Roma, and others.
The current Verona president, Maurizio Setti, along with sporting director Sogliano, are expected to remain with the club during an initial transition period. The new American owners plan to incorporate some German management expertise into the board, signaling a potential shift in the club’s operational approach.
One of the most significant aspects of the proposed takeover is the ambitious stadium project. The new owners have already met with Verona’s mayor, former footballer Damiano Tommasi, to discuss plans for demolishing the current Stadio Bentegodi and constructing a new, modern facility on the same site. During the construction phase, which could last about a year, the team would play in a temporary stadium.
This potential change in ownership comes at a crucial time for Hellas Verona. The club has faced financial challenges in recent years, and the injection of American capital could provide the resources needed to stabilize and grow both on and off the pitch.
