Leeds United investor buys majority stake in Spanish football club
The co-owners of Leeds United have purchased a Spanish football club as they expand their multi-club empire.
A.Gain – formerly IDC Ventures – have added to their minority shareholding in the Elland Road Premier League team with a majority stake in third tier Spanish side Real Zaragoza, based in Aragon.
Real Zaragoza will become – subject to regulatory approval – the second club owned by A.Gain after the group acquired a controlling stake in Colombian Categoria Primera A side Deportivo Cali.
In addition to Cali and Leeds United, the group also holds a minority investment in Atletico Madrid, alongside Apollo Sports Capital and Ares Management.
Former Manchester United football player Ander Herrera is a current stakeholder in Real Zaragoza as part of a 40 per cent minority holding alongside Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas.
“We’re focused on clubs with strong foundations, loyal supporters, and meaningful long-term opportunities,” Bobby Aitkenhead, managing director and chief executive of A.Gain.
“Our goal is to partner with organisations where disciplined execution and a long-term perspective can help create lasting value.”
First Leeds United, then Spain
LaLiga and LaLiga 2 clubs are being snapped up by a series of investors with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo taking a 25 per cent stake in UD Almeria, Gerard Pique holding shares in FC Andorra and Lionel Messi investing in CE Cornella.
Real Zaragoza were relegated to the third division of Spanish football for the first time since 1949 last season, having won the Copa del Rey as recently as 2004.
“Real Zaragoza has all the characteristics we look for,” Aitkenhead – who founded BlueKite before its eventual incorporation into PayPal – added. “It has a remarkable history, a deeply committed fan base, and the potential to build something sustainable over the long term. That’s the kind of opportunity that fits our investment philosophy.”
A statement read: “While the club has faced challenges in recent years, A.gain believes its history, supporter base, regional identity, and infrastructure provide a strong platform for long-term growth.”