Clearlake takes control of Chelsea in reported £950m deal

The combined holding is approximately 25% and the cash consideration has been reported at £950m. That implies a Chelsea valuation of around £5bn including debt.

Boehly will step down as chairman and Walter will also end his involvement. Swiss investor Hansjörg Wyss remains a shareholder and is reported to be increasing his position to 13.5%, while Clearlake becomes the controlling owner. Completion is expected by the end of 2026.

The parties originally acquired Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in May 2022 in a £4.25bn transaction. Clearlake held the majority economic interest, but governance was shared with Boehly and Walter. The new structure removes that division and places strategic authority with Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano.

Chelsea said the transaction will not change its day-to-day operations, leadership or strategic direction. The ownership group continues to face major decisions concerning Stamford Bridge, the redevelopment of the Cobham training base and long-term investment across the men’s and women’s teams.

The reported valuation represents a significant increase from the 2022 acquisition price, despite Chelsea recording a £262.4m pre-tax loss in its latest published financial year.