May 5 – OGC Nice’s long-running sale process appears to be gathering pace, with fresh interest emerging from both Europe and the United States as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS looks to bring its involvement with the Ligue 1 club to an end.
INEOS originally set an asking price in the region of €200 million for the club, roughly double the €100 million paid in 2019. That valuation is now understood to be under pressure, with market appetite and the club’s current position – 15th in the Ligue Un table – both playing a role.
The club has effectively been on the market for several months, with investment bank Lazard tasked with identifying potential buyers. While INEOS and club officials have offered little in the way of public updates, local reports suggest movement behind the scenes, including exploratory discussions with at least two interested parties.
According to Nice-Matin, one European fund and one US-based group have both registered interest, with the latter having recently visited the club’s training facilities alongside INEOS Sport chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc.
There is, however, no indication that negotiations have advanced to a formal stage.
Nice’s situation on the pitch is a complicating factor. The club are currently hovering above the relegation play-off place in Ligue 1, with their top-flight status for next season yet to be secured. That uncertainty is expected to weigh heavily on any final valuation, particularly with a decisive fixture against 16th-placed AJ Auxerre looming.
Off the pitch, INEOS’ focus has shifted significantly since acquiring its minority stake in Manchester United, with attention and resources increasingly directed towards the Premier League club. Investment in Nice has since slowed as a result, reinforcing the sense that an exit is a priority.
The ownership period has been mixed – while Nice finished as high as fourth last season, the current campaign has been more turbulent, with managerial changes and inconsistent performances leaving the club in the lower half of the table.
Frustration from the stands has also grown since the new year, adding further pressure to resolve the ownership situation.
Financial considerations may also complicate a deal. Reports have pointed to underlying challenges within the club’s structure, which could impact both the timeline and the final terms of any agreement.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]