Potential Shift in Benfica SAD Ownership
José António dos santos, the largest individual shareholder of Benfica, is reportedly open to selling his significant stake in the club’s SAD (Sociedade Anónima Desportiva), the company managing its professional football operations. This development arrives amidst ongoing market evaluations and potential investment opportunities within the Portuguese football landscape.
Santos, often referred to as the “King of the Chicken” due to his prominent role in the poultry industry, indicated his willingness to consider offers, emphasizing the importance of both price and the potential contributions a new investor could bring to Benfica.His statement, given in an interview with Diário Económico, suggests a strategic approach to a possible sale.
It is possible to sell, yes. It depends on the price and what this fund can contribute to Benfica.
José António dos Santos,Diário Económico
Through direct ownership and the Valouro Group,José António dos Santos controls 3,766,578 shares of Benfica SAD,representing approximately 16.38% of the company. This significant holding makes him a key figure in the club’s financial structure.
Benfica itself retains a controlling interest, holding 66.98% of the SAD’s capital. While Luís Filipe Vieira, the former President of Benfica, remains a significant individual shareholder with 3.28% of the shares,Santos’s potential exit could considerably reshape the ownership dynamics.
Past Deals and Future Prospects
This isn’t the first time Santos’s shares have been the subject of acquisition talks. In 2021, a deal was proposed with american businessman John textor, known for his investments in clubs like Olympique Lyonnais and Crystal Palace. The agreement aimed for Textor to acquire 25% of Benfica SAD. Though,this deal,contingent on purchasing additional shares,including a promise to buy 3.73% from José da Conceição Guilherme,ultimately fell through in April 2022,following Luís Filipe Vieira’s departure from the presidency.
The current market value of Benfica SAD shares stands at €3.30. Any potential sale of Santos’s stake would likely be influenced by this valuation, as well as broader market trends and investor sentiment towards Portuguese football clubs. Recent data indicates a growing interest in European football investments, with private equity firms and individual investors alike seeking opportunities in clubs with strong brand recognition and growth potential. Such as, the acquisition of a significant stake in Olympique Lyonnais by John Textor in 2022 demonstrates the scale of investment occurring in the European football market.
