Are you curious about the ownership structure of Sunderland Football Club? This article delves into the details of who currently owns the club, their history with SAFC, and their net worth. We’ll provide a comprehensive look at the individuals behind the Black Cats and their impact on the team. For more in-depth sports insights, visit CAUHOI2025.UK.COM. Learn about Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Juan Sartori, Sunderland AFC ownership, and club stakeholders.
1. Who Currently Owns Sunderland Football Club?
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori are the current co-owners of Sunderland AFC as of May 2023. This billionaire duo gained full control of the Black Cats after successfully buying out Stewart Donald’s remaining shares.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori at a Sunderland AFC game, showcasing their co-ownership
1.1. Kyril Louis-Dreyfus: Majority Shareholder
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus holds the majority stake in Sunderland, owning 64% of the club. He first became an owner in February 2021, acquiring a 41% stake. At just 23 years old, Louis-Dreyfus also became the youngest chairman in English football.
1.2. Juan Sartori: Co-Owner
Juan Sartori owns the remaining 36% of Sunderland. Sartori initially invested in Sunderland in August 2018 and increased his stake alongside Louis-Dreyfus in May 2023. Sartori’s diverse background includes being a Member of the Chamber of Senators of Uruguay.
2. History of Ownership Changes at Sunderland AFC
Sunderland has seen a series of ownership changes in recent years. Before Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori took full control, Stewart Donald led a consortium that bought out Ellis Short in 2018.
2.1. Stewart Donald’s Tenure
Stewart Donald initially acquired a significant stake in Sunderland. However, he eventually agreed to sell his remaining shares to Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori, marking the end of his involvement with the club. Donald officially resigned as chairman three years before he sold his stake.
2.2. Evolution of Louis-Dreyfus’s Stake
Louis-Dreyfus steadily increased his ownership stake over time. Starting with 41%, he moved to 51% in June 2022, after Sunderland won the League One play-off final. The final deal in 2023 solidified his majority ownership at 64%. According to the Sunderland Echo, Louis-Dreyfus wanted to wait for the right opportunity and price before increasing his stake.
2.3. Charlie Methven’s Role
Charlie Methven also held a stake in Sunderland, owning 5% of the club. Methven agreed to sell his shares in 2022, further consolidating Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori’s control.
3. Achievements Under the Current Ownership
Since Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori took over, Sunderland has achieved notable success, including promotion from League One to the Championship.
Sunderland AFC celebrating their promotion, highlighting the success under Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori
3.1. Promotion from League One
Sunderland’s promotion as play-off champions in 2022 was a significant milestone. This achievement marked a turning point for the club and highlighted the positive impact of the new ownership.
3.2. EFL Trophy Victory
Under the ownership of Louis-Dreyfus, Sunderland won the EFL Trophy in March 2021, defeating Tranmere Rovers at Wembley. Lynden Gooch, a Sunderland academy product, scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute. This trophy added to Sunderland’s history of success.
4. Other Sports Franchises Owned by Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori
Both Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori have interests in other sports franchises, showcasing their diverse involvement in the sports industry.
4.1. Juan Sartori’s Involvement with AS Monaco
Juan Sartori sits on the board of directors of AS Monaco and serves as a vice-chairman. He replaced Willy de Bruyn in this role in November 2021. Sartori’s connection to Monaco comes through his father-in-law, Dmitry Rybolovlev, the majority owner.
4.2. Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’s Investment in Esports
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and his brother, Maurice, invested in the esports team Ovation in March 2021. While they have a stake in the team, neither brother holds a majority interest.
5. Net Worth of Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori
The financial backgrounds of Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori are noteworthy, reflecting their capacity to invest in and manage Sunderland AFC.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus in the stands at a Sunderland AFC match, emphasizing his financial stake in the club
5.1. Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’s Estimated Net Worth
While there are no definitive public records of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’s net worth, reports in February 2021 suggested that he has a trust fund exceeding $2 billion (£1.6 billion). He is part of the Louis-Dreyfus family, one of the wealthiest families globally.
5.2. Juan Sartori’s Reported Net Worth
Juan Sartori’s net worth was estimated at $100 million (£82 million) in November 2020. Sartori made his wealth in investment management and private equity, founding the firm Union Group in 2008.
5.3. The Louis-Dreyfus Family Fortune
The Louis-Dreyfus family’s wealth is primarily controlled by Kyril’s mother, Margarita Louis-Dreyfus. As of November 2023, Forbes noted that Margarita controls a family fortune worth $3.4 billion (£2.7 billion). The family’s wealth peaked at $8.4 billion (£6.8 billion) in 2015.
6. Family History and Business Backgrounds
Understanding the family history and business backgrounds of Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori provides additional context to their roles as owners of Sunderland AFC.
6.1. The Louis-Dreyfus Legacy
The Louis-Dreyfus family has a long history in commodities and business. Margarita Louis-Dreyfus assumed control of the family’s fortune after the death of her husband, Robert Louis-Dreyfus, in 2009. Robert Louis-Dreyfus was a prominent figure in European football, having owned Marseille.
6.2. Margarita Louis-Dreyfus’s Business Ventures
Margarita Louis-Dreyfus inherited a 69.6% stake in the agricultural commodities giant, Louis-Dreyfus. In 2016, she sold 95% of Marseille to Frank McCourt for €45 million (£39.5 million) but retained a 5% stake. Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has no control over this 5% share.
6.3. Juan Sartori’s Career
Juan Sartori’s career spans both politics and business. As a Member of the Chamber of Senators of Uruguay, he combines his political duties with his business ventures, including his role at AS Monaco and his co-ownership of Sunderland AFC.
7. Impact on Sunderland AFC and Future Prospects
The current ownership of Sunderland AFC has brought stability and renewed optimism for the club’s future. With Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori at the helm, Sunderland aims to build on their recent successes and establish themselves as a competitive force in English football.
7.1. Financial Stability
The financial backing of Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori has provided Sunderland with the resources needed to invest in the team and infrastructure. This financial stability is crucial for long-term success.
7.2. Strategic Vision
The strategic vision of the current ownership focuses on sustainable growth and development. By investing in young talent and improving the club’s facilities, Sunderland aims to create a strong foundation for the future.
7.3. Fan Engagement
Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori have also prioritized fan engagement, recognizing the importance of the supporters in the club’s success. By fostering a positive relationship with the fans, they aim to create a strong sense of community around Sunderland AFC.
8. Recent Developments and News
Staying updated on the latest developments and news surrounding Sunderland AFC provides insight into the club’s current trajectory under Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori.
8.1. Transfer Activities
Recent transfer activities reflect the club’s ambition to strengthen the squad and compete at a higher level. New signings and player developments are key indicators of the club’s progress.
8.2. Stadium Upgrades
Investments in stadium upgrades enhance the matchday experience for fans and improve the club’s facilities. These upgrades demonstrate the ownership’s commitment to the long-term success of Sunderland AFC.
8.3. Community Initiatives
Community initiatives led by the club and supported by the owners demonstrate a commitment to giving back to the local area. These initiatives strengthen the bond between the club and its community.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
9.1. Who is the current owner of Sunderland AFC?
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori co-own Sunderland AFC.
9.2. When did Louis-Dreyfus become an owner?
Louis-Dreyfus first became an owner in February 2021.
9.3. What percentage of Sunderland does Louis-Dreyfus own?
Louis-Dreyfus owns 64% of Sunderland AFC.
9.4. What is Juan Sartori’s stake in Sunderland?
Juan Sartori owns 36% of Sunderland AFC.
9.5. What other sports interests does Sartori have?
Sartori sits on the board of directors of AS Monaco.
9.6. What is Louis-Dreyfus’s estimated net worth?
Louis-Dreyfus is believed to have a trust fund exceeding $2 billion.
9.7. How did Sunderland perform under the new ownership?
Sunderland achieved promotion from League One in 2022.
9.8. What trophy did Sunderland win in 2021?
Sunderland won the EFL Trophy in March 2021.
9.9. Who previously owned Sunderland before Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori?
Stewart Donald led a consortium that previously owned Sunderland.
9.10. What is the Louis-Dreyfus family fortune estimated at?
The Louis-Dreyfus family fortune is estimated at $3.4 billion.
10. Conclusion
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori’s ownership has ushered in a new era for Sunderland AFC. Their financial backing, strategic vision, and commitment to fan engagement have contributed to the club’s recent successes and set the stage for a promising future. As Sunderland continues to grow and develop under their leadership, fans can look forward to exciting times ahead.
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