瑞典私募基金公司EQT即将完成对澳大利亚职业橄榄球联赛（NRL）俱乐部墨尔本风暴的控股权收购。[1]EQT是全球第二大私募基金公司，资产管理规模超过3330亿美元。[1]此次交易将使EQT成为风暴队的主要股东，接替现有股东Matt Tripp（持股33%）及Bart Campbell、Gerry Ryan、Tom Carroll和Brett Ralph等投资者。[1]墨尔本风暴的估值介于1.5亿至2亿美元之间，该俱乐部至2024年10月31日的营收达4000万美元。[1]
在收购即将完成之际，主教练Craig Bellamy确认将继续执教至少一年。[1]Bellamy表示："我明年会继续执教，但我想那可能是终点了。"[1]这一决定预计将有助于留住自由球员卡梅隆·蒙斯特，后者已获早期谈判许可与PNG Chiefs协商合同，但可能因Bellamy留任而重新承诺效力风暴队。[1]
Swedish private equity company EQT is set to complete the acquisition of a controlling stake in the NRL's Melbourne Storm, marking a significant shift in the club's ownership structure.[1] EQT, the world's second-largest private equity firm with assets under management exceeding $333 billion, will become the club's principal shareholder through the deal.[1] The Melbourne Storm is valued between $150 million and $200 million, with the club generating $40 million in revenue through October 31, 2024.[1] Current shareholders include Matt Tripp, who holds a 33 percent stake, alongside Bart Campbell, Gerry Ryan, Tom Carroll, and Brett Ralph.[1]
The acquisition comes as head coach Craig Bellamy confirmed his intention to remain in the position for at least another year, stating: "I'll be coaching next year, but yeah, I think that that might be the end."[1] Bellamy's commitment is expected to help retain free agent Cameron Munster, who has been granted permission to enter early negotiations with the PNG Chiefs but may recommit to the club given the coaching continuity.[1] EQT has previously made its mark in sports investment as the ATP Tour's first major private equity backer.[1]