Chelsea’s ownership has once again become a major topic following reports of Todd Boehly’s interest in securing complete control of the club.
At present, Clearlake Capital holds a 61.5% majority stake in Chelsea, and according to sources close to *football.london*, the firm has no plans to exit Stamford Bridge anytime soon. Behdad Eghbali, Clearlake’s co-founder, reportedly remains calm about Boehly’s aspirations for full ownership.
Boehly’s Ambitions vs. Clearlake’s Position
Boehly currently faces two options: either continue with his current stake or sell his share to Clearlake Capital, as they hold the dominant shareholding position at Chelsea.
But what exactly is Clearlake Capital, the investment firm playing such a pivotal role at Chelsea? Let’s explore their background.
Understanding Clearlake Capital
Established in 2006, Clearlake Capital is a private equity firm, which means they specialize in investing in private companies or acquiring public companies to enhance their profitability. Their investment portfolio spans various sectors including private equity, credit, and other financial strategies, focusing on ventures that are expected to yield substantial returns.
Clearlake Capital reportedly manages over $80 billion (£61 billion) in assets globally. While headquartered in Santa Monica, California, they have additional offices in major cities such as London, Dublin, and Singapore.
Clearlake Capital’s Investments
While Chelsea is Clearlake’s only investment in sports, they have a wide-ranging portfolio across various industries. Their other notable investments include Wellness Pet Company, VictoryLive—a sports and entertainment firm—and Discovery Education, highlighting the firm’s diverse investment approach compared to Boehly, who also owns LA Dodgers and LA Sparks.
