Reports indicate that Claudio Lotito has rejected a substantial offer of €450 million for Lazio, reportedly presented by American investors through JP Morgan.
According to the newspaper Il Tempo, the proposal originated from unnamed potential buyers interested in entering the Serie A market. However, President Lotito is said to have refused the offer, emphasizing his intention to retain ownership of the club.
The exact timing of this alleged offer and the duration of the response remain undisclosed.
Lotito at Odds with Lazio Fans
Lazio has officially released a statement vehemently denying the accuracy of the report from Il Tempo.
“In reference to the article published today by Il Tempo, authored by Luigi Bisignani, concerning an alleged €450 million offer from JP Morgan for the acquisition of S.S. Lazio S.p.A., the Company firmly and unequivocally denies the accuracy of such a report.”
“No proposal, expression of interest, preliminary approach, or communication of any kind relating to a potential acquisition of the Company has ever been received from JP Morgan or from any party acting on its behalf.”
“Accordingly, the information contained in the article is entirely unfounded and lacks any factual basis.”
“In the interest of ensuring fair, accurate, and transparent information to shareholders, investors, supporters, and the market as a whole, S.S. Lazio S.p.A. formally requests that Il Tempo publish, without delay and with equivalent prominence, a correction of the inaccurate statements contained in the article.”
“The Company also intends to bring this matter to the attention of CONSOB, given the repeated circulation of unsubstantiated reports concerning alleged transactions involving the share capital of S.S. Lazio S.p.A. Such reports may adversely affect the orderly functioning of the market, interfere with the proper price formation process of the Company’s shares, and create uncertainty among investors.”
This news is likely to exacerbate existing tensions between Lotito and Lazio’s fanbase. Ultras have been boycotting the Stadio Olimpico for several months this season, protesting Lotito’s management of the club. They feel there is insufficient investment and that his focus on financial stability is prioritized over on-field success.
While Lotito is credited with saving Lazio from near bankruptcy in 2004, it has been 22 years, and fans are eager for a new owner willing to invest in the team. Last summer, the club faced a six-month transfer embargo due to failing financial stress tests, restricting player acquisitions without prior sales.
English Translation:
Reports suggest that Claudio Lotito has turned down an offer valued at €450 million to acquire Lazio, which was purportedly presented by American investors through JP Morgan.
According to Il Tempo newspaper, the proposal came via JP Morgan from unknown potential buyers eager to enter the Serie A market. However, President Lotito is said to have rejected the offer, insisting on maintaining control of the club.
Details regarding when this offer was made and how long it took for a negative response to be given are not clear.
Lotito Already at Odds with Lazio Fans
Lazio has issued a statement this evening denying the report.
“With reference to the article published today by Il Tempo and authored by Luigi Bisignani, concerning an alleged €450 million offer by JP Morgan for the acquisition of S.S. Lazio S.p.A., the Company firmly and unequivocally denies the accuracy of such report.
“No proposal, expression of interest, preliminary approach or communication of any kind relating to a potential acquisition of the Company has ever been received from JP Morgan or from any party acting on its behalf.
“Accordingly, the information contained in the article is entirely unfounded and lacks any factual basis.
“In the interest of ensuring fair, accurate and transparent information to shareholders, investors, supporters and the market as a whole, S.S. Lazio S.p.A. formally requests that Il Tempo publish, without delay and with equivalent prominence, a correction of the inaccurate statements contained in the article.
“The Company also intends to bring this matter to the attention of CONSOB, given the repeated circulation of unsubstantiated reports concerning alleged transactions involving the share capital of S.S. Lazio S.p.A. Such reports may adversely affect the orderly functioning of the market, interfere with the proper price formation process of the Company’s shares and create uncertainty among investors.”
This story is expected to further inflame the already tense situation, which has seen ultras abandon the Stadio Olimpico for several months this season.
They are protesting Lotito’s management of the club, feeling that he does not invest sufficiently and would prefer to see them struggle on the field if it means having perfectly balanced books.
Lotito rescued Lazio from imminent bankruptcy in 2004, but that was 22 years ago, and the fans are eager for someone ready to invest in the squad.
Last summer, the Biancocelesti were placed under a six-month transfer embargo for failing financial stress tests, so they could not buy any new players without first making sales.