Mercedes’ Toto Wolff open to investing in £5 billion Manchester United after INEOS acquisition

The Mercedes F1 team is likely to remain unaffected by INEOS' investment in Manchester United.

Mercedes’ Toto Wolff open to investing in £5 billion Manchester United after INEOS acquisition

Toto Wolff and Sir Jim Ratcliffe on the Monaco GP grid (Via IMAGO)

The Mercedes F1 team is owned equally by three shareholders, Team Principal Toto Wolff, Daimler, and INEOS. INEOS is owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe with several sporting ventures under its umbrella. The most recent addition is the iconic British Football club Manchester United. INEOS’ acquisition has bumped the value of the club to a staggering £5 billion.

Ratcliffe will be purchasing a 25% stake in Manchester United for £1.25 billion. This comes in after a year of discussions between INEOS and the Glazer family. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sporting portfolio even has teams such as  OGC Nice, INEOS Britannia, and INEOS Grenadiers with Mercedes previously being the most valuable gem in this umbrella.

However, with the addition of Manchester United, the Silver Arrows lost the top spot in value at INEOS. As per Forbes, the Mercedes F1 team is valued at around $3.8 billion or £3.1 Billion. Nevertheless, as per sources, the Brackley-based team will remain unaffected by this acquisition with no change in its day-to-day functioning.

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Mercedes F1 Team Principal and shareholder Toto Wolff shares good relations with Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Wolff mentioned that he trusts the INEOS boss. Moreover, the Austrian billionaire expressed his willingness to consider joining Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United.

I very much respect his values and we trust each other. If we felt it would make sense to be part of the investment group then I would certainly look at it.

Toto Wolff told PA

Toto Wolff admits he likes the competitiveness of the Premier League

Toto Wolff has garnered a net worth of over a billion dollars through a host of investments. The Mercedes team boss clarified that he would usually not go for trophy investments such as Manchester United. However, the competitiveness of the English Premier League is something that attracts the 51-year-old.

I have never aimed for trophy investments but I like the competitiveness of the Premier League.
Toto Wolff
Toto Wolff (Via IMAGO)

Moreover, Wolff mentioned that Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% stake in the Football club is no short of a love story. The INEOS CEO was born in Manchester and has rooted for the Red Devils throughout his life. Moreover, Toto Wolff revealed that he and Jim Ratcliffe have a strong personal bond with Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius. This trio is often referred to as the ‘Three Amigos’

Jim and Manchester United is a love story because he is born there. Our personal relationship is strong and with Ola Kallenius [Mercedes-Benz CEO], they call us the Three Amigos because we live in the no bulls*** world.

Certainly, Toto Wolff will be keenly observing INEOS’ role in Manchester United post the stake acquisition. Although, it is believed that there would be no change in the role of the British MNC as a shareholder of the Mercedes F1 team. It remains to be seen if Wolff does get inclined towards joining Ratcliffe’s latest investment.

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