Clearlake Completes Full Chelsea Takeover

Clearlake Capital has completed its acquisition of the stakes held by Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter, giving it full control of the Premier League club. Boehly will step down as chairman after helping lead the consortium that bought Chelsea from Roman Abramovich for £2.3 billion in 2022. The transaction values Chelsea at about £5 billion including debt, with Boehly and Walter reportedly receiving roughly £950 million for their combined 25% stake and making a modest profit. Chelsea said there would be no immediate changes to its day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy, and Clearlake plans to continue the existing long-term sporting strategy. Reports differ over whether Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss sold his stake or remains an important stakeholder. Clearlake’s increased control could affect decisions on potential upgrades to Stamford Bridge and the training ground, which had been sources of tension among the previous owners.