US-based Formula 1 owner Liberty Media announces MotoGP takeover

The multibillion-dollar takeover places Formula 1 and MotoGP under the same Liberty Media ownership structure. Formula One owner Liberty Media has agreed to buy MotoGP in a deal valued at about 4.2 billion euros, the United States-based company said. MotoGP said in a statement on Monday that Liberty Media would acquire “approximately 86 percent” stake from Spain-based owner Dorna. “The transaction reflects an enterprise value for Dorna/MotoGP of EUR4.2 billion and an equity value of EUR3.5 billion, with MotoGP’s existing debt balance expected to remain in place after close.” Long-serving CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta will remain in the post he has occupied since 1994 with the business headquarters remaining in Madrid. “We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media president and CEO.