President Jean-Pierre Rivère officially announced the arrival of two investors yesterday at a press conference. One is a Saudi Prince (whose name has not been disclosed), the other a 36-year-old English businessman. The Azurian club is entering a new era and continues its forward march.
Five years after the Qataris took over Paris-Saint-Germain and the Russians took over AS Monaco, with the success we know, a major investor arrives in Ligue 1, or rather two. An Anglo-Saudi duo has taken possession of 49% of the club, which were formerly owned by Messrs Stellardo, Governatori, Bacchialoni, and Bessis.
Growing little by little
The plan is simple: continue to develop OGC Nice step by step. Initially, Edward Blackmore and his Saudi partner will be minority shareholders (49%, with Rivère retaining 51%) before taking 80% of the club next season. In terms of management, no changes are planned. Jean-Pierre Rivère, current president, and Julien Fournier, general manager, will continue their missions with the approval of the new investors. The name of the Saudi Prince will be revealed next June, as he prefers to remain in the shadows for now.
Contacts for 6 months
Contacts started six months ago and continued in light of the seriousness of the proposed project. The objective is to sustain the club’s excellent results and health, which launched its 22nd homegrown player into the professional team since Claude Puel has been the coach. Youth, training, and teamwork are words often repeated by Edward Blackmore, the London investor involved in investment funds for nearly 10 years.
June 2017
Several announcements were made during this press conference relocated for the occasion to the Allianz Riviera. The major training center in the Plaine du Var will open its doors in June 2017. On the ticketing front, there are no planned price increases to reassure OGC Nice fans.
Find the most notable statements from the press conference:
Jean-Pierre Rivère, president of OGC Nice:
- “The project we are carrying out daily is a beautiful project and it is not finished.”
- “We wanted to find an investor who shares our vision of our project.”
- “The first stage of the project begins with Edward and his partner in Saudi Arabia becoming minority shareholders at 49%. Eventually, the new shareholder will have 80% of OGC Nice. The second stage, which should take place before the end of June, will see them become majority stakeholders.”
- “During the second stage, nothing will change. I will remain president and Julien Fournier, director. I will then keep 20% and they 80%, and we will continue to manage the club in the same way.”
- “Edward will have a say in important club affairs, such as player acquisitions.”
- “This new partner is not going to pour in large sums of money but will support our project.”
- “The Saudi prince will come to support us. He is a very structured person who will allow us to maintain continuity. Edward and his partner want to develop the OGCN brand nationally and internationally.”
- “We will support them for several seasons with Julien, it’s contractual. I’m not here to leave in a year.”
- “They have identified our project as a good one and have expressed their desire to come to Nice.”
- “During the winter transfer window, we could have made money. We didn’t, because we want to make OGC Nice progress.”
- “We will not be in the logic of buying players for 10-15M but making smart moves like with Rémi Walter.”
Edward Blackmore, new shareholder of OGC Nice:
- “I am happy to be part of the OGCN team. We have learned to love the club, the city, and the region.”
- “We chose Nice because the stadium is magnificent, and the region as well. My partner already considers it a ‘home’ here.”
- “We are on the same wavelength as president Rivère, aiming to bring youth to the forefront. Helping young people progress is crucial. We will have a fantastic facility. The future center will be a key step.”
- “My partner wants to enjoy this investment and accelerate the club’s project. We are also here for the long term.”
- “We are sensible investors. The budget will grow gradually.”
- “When the club reaches the Top 5, the goal will be to keep it there.”
