Manchester United Saga Ends With $1.3 Billion Ratcliffe Deal

Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has completed the purchase of a stake in Manchester United, defeating rival bids from petro-states and hedge funds and ending a bidding war marked by hype and rancor.

Through his chemical conglomerate Ineos Group, Ratcliffe will pay $33 a share for a 25% stake in the club, valuing the club at about $5.4 billion, falling below initial hopes of $6 billion.

The decision to bring in Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest people, marks the end of a drawn-out sale process officially begun by the Glazer family just over a year ago. At times, the deal ...