Louis Vuitton make moves in response to Real Madrid's plan to open up to investors

Sixth Street and Bernard Arnault, owner of LVMH (Louis Vuitton), are increasingly analyzing Real Madrid's moves in light of the possibility that the club will open its structure to private partners , according to various market sources.

Both, along with another major US-based entity whose name has not been disclosed, would welcome the possibility of strengthening ties with the club on Concha Espina by acquiring a minority stake in the business entity through which the club would channel its general business if the planned restructuring is ultimately implemented. In fact, according to Vozpópuli , they have already begun monitoring the reaction of members and fans to gauge the potential impact of any official developments, pending what Florentino Pérez himself might say at the annual general meeting .

The moves by Sixth Street, whose CEO is businessman Alan Waxman , and Bernard Arnault are unfolding in parallel with those of the Real Madrid president, who at 78 is accelerating the club's reform to bring in private capital and solidify a record valuation in football, exceeding €10 billion , as a mechanism to secure the club's financial future. The Real Madrid board is now working against the clock to hold the extraordinary general meeting in mid-December that would trigger the countdown to the referendum on a project that has been in development for almost two years , according to sources.

The model being studied by Real Madrid draws inspiration from established structures in European sport, particularly within the German framework, which allows for the entry of private capital while preserving club control. Among the options under consideration is a gradual opening , beginning with a minority shareholder without access to governance or ordinary dividends, but with medium-term "economic rights," potential returns linked to specific projects, or the appreciation of their shares. This approach is seen as a way to reduce internal resistance ahead of the debate expected to culminate in the referendum scheduled for 2026.

In the case of Sixth Street, the move makes strategic sense : the fund is already involved in the Bernabéu business through the commercial operation of the stadium, giving it a privileged position to assess synergies and anticipate potential returns if the new vehicle is enabled.

The owner of Louis Vuitton would strengthen his relationship with Real Madrid
Bernard Arnault, for his part, has entered into a strategic relationship with the club as a global sponsor through LVMH, the holding company that operates brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Moët & Chandon. Since June of this year, Louis Vuitton has been the official outfitter of Real Madrid , a sponsorship agreement under which it will provide off-field clothing for the men's and women's football teams, as well as the men's basketball team. This minority stake in the club would thus strengthen its brand positioning within a globally recognized sporting asset, without assuming management responsibilities or operational risks.

Beyond his sponsorship agreement with Real Madrid and his preliminary interest in acquiring a stake, it is worth noting that Bernard Arnault, one of the world's richest men with a fortune of 154.1 billion, has shown interest on other occasions in entering the football business.

Exactly one year ago, in November 2024, the Arnault family officially acquired a majority stake in Paris FC, in partnership with Red Bull. Since then, Arnault has owned 55% of the club and the energy drink company 11%, although after the retirement of the current owner, Pierre Ferracci, in 2027 these figures will change to 80% and 15%, respectively. Coincidentally, Paris FC maintains a well-known rivalry with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), as does Real Madrid.

Greater flexibility in Real Madrid's capital
Although there is no open process or formal negotiation underway, the idea of ​​a reduced package offers flexibility and options for both parties. It would allow them to secure an entry window, explore exit mechanisms, or assess additional returns as the corporate project evolves, according to sources close to the parties. At the same time, they are closely monitoring the social, institutional, and media climate, factors they consider crucial before making any decisions.

In this still incipient scenario, Sixth Street and Bernard Arnault are considering gaining exposure to one of the world's most important clubs with limited risk, while Real Madrid continues to calibrate the steps prior to the reform proposal which, if it materializes, will be submitted to a decision by the members.