Berlusconi Family Sells AC Monza Stake to Beckett Layne Ventures

In a significant shift in the Italian football landscape, the Berlusconi family has agreed to sell a majority stake in Serie A club AC Monza to U.S.-based investment firm Beckett Layne Ventures. The deal, valued at approximately €45 million, including the club's debts, marks the family's retreat from Italian football following the 2023 death of media tycoon and former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Silvio Berlusconi acquired Monza in 2018, when the club was competing in Italy's third-tier league, investing just €3 million. Under his leadership and that of former AC Milan executive Adriano Galliani, Monza achieved promotion to Serie A in 2022, marking a historic milestone for the club. However, the team faced challenges in the top division and was relegated the following season. This relegation led Fininvest, the Berlusconi family's holding company, to write down the club's book value by 70%, reducing it to €30 million.

The agreement stipulates that Beckett Layne Ventures will acquire an 80% stake in AC Monza, with Fininvest retaining a 20% share until a complete exit is planned by June 2026. Since the Berlusconi family's involvement, Monza has accumulated losses totalling €270 million, including €48 million in 2024 alone.

This sale adds AC Monza to a growing list of Italian football clubs now under U.S. ownership, joining the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma, Parma, Fiorentina and Hellas Verona. The influx of American investors into Serie A reflects a broader trend of international interest in Italian football, driven by the league's potential for growth and the global appeal of its clubs.

The Berlusconi family's decision to divest from AC Monza signifies the end of an era for the club and Italian football, as one of its most influential figures steps away from the sport. As Beckett Layne Ventures prepares to take the helm, the future of AC Monza will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, eager to see how the new ownership will navigate the challenges of Serie B and beyond.