Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS looking at OGC Nice sale | OneFootball

According to a report from Matt Slater of The Athletic, Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS is exploring the sale of OGC Nice. Slater explains that INEOS are looking at a price of €250 million for the French club and has sought out help from Lazard, a New York-based investment bank, to facilitate the sale.

INEOS are also part-owner of Manchester United, having taken a minority share but with control of the sporting decisions in 2024. This investment in the Premier League club has coincided with INEOS being forced to take a step back from its Ligue 1 side this season. After the 2023/24 campaign, when both Nice and Manchester United qualified for the Europa League, INEOS’ shares were placed in a trust until June 30th 2025, as per UEFA’s multiclub rules.

Ratcliffe has previously said of Nice, “I don’t particularly enjoy going to watch Nice because there are some good players, but the level of football is not high enough for me to get excited.”

Nice are currently challenging for a place in the Champions League next season, with the club in sixth. Manchester United are currently in 14th in the Premier League, but could qualify via the Europa League having taken a 3-0 lead in their semi-final against Athletic Club.

Lazard declined to comment to The Athletic on this story while INEOS had not responded to their request.

GFFN | Nick Hartland