The Niners-affiliated financial group increased its investment in the Premier League club by 22 percent
The investment entity affiliated with the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL, 49ers Enterprises, increased its minority stake in the Leeds United at 37 percent, the team announced on Monday.
The additional investment represents a 22 percent increase in the initial interest through 49ers Enterprises in 2018 and will result in Paraag Marathe, the executive vice president of football operations for the 49ers, becomes vice president of the Leeds United. Marathe, who is also chairman of 49ers Enterprises, will retain his place as a member of the board of the English Premier League club.
The president of Leeds UnitedAndrea Radrizzani remains the largest owner and president of Leeds.
“We are delighted to welcome further investment in our club 49ers Enterprises and I am sure this recent partnership will help Leeds United to continue to grow and become a team our fans deserve, “Radrizzani said in a statement.” I have always been open to taking partners on this journey, provided these actions can benefit the club’s long-term strategy. “
The first association between Leeds United and the 49ers It coincided with the club’s promotion from the English Championship to the Premier League, for the first time since its relegation after the 2003-2004 season.
Now that we have been promoted and had a positive start in the new campaign, there is no better time to look to the future as our goal is to take this club to the next level and initially build an established team Premier League. before pursuing our dream of creating the Leeds United back to Europe, “Radrizzani added.” We must also focus on realizing our business potential and developing Ellan Road and our training facilities. “
Marathe oversaw the development of Levi’s Stadium, the $ 1.3 billion stadium. 49ers which opened in 2014 and is deeply involved with player salaries and the team’s statistics department. As Vice President of Leeds, he and the Vice President of 49ers EnterprisesCollin Meador, “will be more involved in the decision-making process and day-to-day business,” the statement said.
“Our team from 49ers Enterprises has always shared Andrea’s vision [Radrizzani] to build a powerful and winning club in the most competitive football league in the world and the experience of the past three seasons has been more exciting than we could have imagined, ”said Marathe.
“The hard work and daring leadership of Andrea and her talented team have restored our rightful place. Leeds United in the Premier League and we look forward to playing an even greater role in supporting their efforts to climb the table this year and into the future. “
Leeds United they are currently ranked 12th in the Premier League and will play Newcastle United on Tuesday.