P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 owner Liberty Media takes over MotoGP in $4bn deal with Dorna
The American entertainment company, Liberty Media, has acquired Dorna, the company owning MotoGP, WSBK, and MotoE World Cup, in a €4.2 billion deal, taking 86% of the shares. The remaining 14% will stay with MotoGP management. The deal was delayed, planned to be finalized by 2024 due to the possible intervention of the European Commission’s competition regulator. In 2022, Dorna Sports had a turnover of €474.8 million and refinanced its debt to €975m. Liberty’s acquisition was preferred over other bidders like Qatar Sports Investments and TKO, ensuring a smooth transition. Liberty Media’s President and CEO, Greg Maffei, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating that MotoGP’s global appeal and financial strength were key factors in the acquisition.
