Sir Jim Ratcliffe Hires Lazard to Sell OGC Nice

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, minority owner of Manchester United and head of INEOS, is exploring the sale of OGC Nice, which he acquired in 2019. He has appointed New York investment bank Lazard to seek a buyer, with the asking price set at approximately €250 million. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is reported among the potential buyers. The decision to sell is partly driven by UEFA's multi-club ownership rules and complications from the collapse of Ligue 1's domestic broadcast deal. Ratcliffe has voiced dissatisfaction with Nice's football quality and noted improved performance in periods without direct INEOS involvement. Proceeds from the sale are not expected to finance a full INEOS takeover of Manchester United.