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Monza ownership change on the horizon: Gabelli prepares bid as Fininvest negotiates sale

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Mario Gabelli is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire Monza football club from the Berlusconi family’s Fininvest holding company. According to recent reports from Calciomercato, negotiations have accelerated, with Gabelli prepared to make a formal offer of €60 million for 100% ownership of the club.

Key figures involved in the talks include Fininvest CEO Danilo Pellegrino and Salvatore Palella, founder of Hellbiz and consultant for the deal alongside Deloitte Legal Italia. Alec Boccanfuso, a manager at Gabelli’s Gamco Investors, participated remotely in recent discussions.

The outcome of these meetings has been positive, with the next steps involving Gamco executives meeting with banks in London. The 82-year-old Gabelli is expected to submit a binding offer in the coming days.

However, the valuation remains complex. While the Berlusconi family may be willing to cede control, it’s unclear if the €60 million offer will be deemed sufficient. Fininvest appears open to a sale but emphasizes the need for a stable, financially sound investor, especially given Monza’s current struggles on the pitch and recent financial losses exceeding €60 million.

Gabelli, an Italian-American entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $2 billion, is the chairman and CEO of Gamco Investors, which manages $31 billion in assets. His potential acquisition of Monza would mark his entry into Italian football and could become one of the most intriguing challenges of his career.

If the deal goes through, Monza would become the ninth Italian club under U.S. ownership, potentially bringing fresh perspectives to Italian football. While it’s uncertain if the transaction will conclude before the winter transfer window, fans are hopeful for a swift resolution to allow for potential team reinforcements.

This move follows Fininvest’s previous considerations of selling Monza, including unsuccessful talks with Orienta Capital Partners earlier this year. Gabelli’s determination and financial backing could finally see the ownership change materialize, marking a new chapter for the struggling Serie A club.

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