US fund buys 16.38% stake in Benfica SAD

Entrepreneur Equity Partners has agreed to buy a 16.38% stake in Benfica SAD from José António dos Santos, his wife Maria Isabel Gomes dos Santos, and Grupo Valouro, bringing a second US shareholder into one of Portugal’s most prominent listed sports companies.

The transaction is being carried out through a special purpose vehicle based in Wilmington, Delaware. It will be split into two tranches: 3,144,764 shares, or 13.67%, sold by José António dos Santos and Maria Isabel Gomes dos Santos, and 622,636 shares, or 2.71%, sold by Grupo Valouro, according to a market filing.

Once completed, the deal will leave around 21% of Benfica SAD’s capital in US hands, but through two separate shareholders. The new buyer is distinct from Lenore Sports Partners, the US investor that already holds a position in the company.

Benfica SAD is the listed company that manages SL Benfica’s professional football operations. The new 16.38% stake is a relevant position in the shareholder structure, although it does not give control of the company.

The deal comes as European football assets continue to attract private capital, with investors looking at clubs’ brands, media rights and international commercial potential.