Monza’s Leadership Change
In a significant development for Italian football, Monza’s longtime CEO and vice president, Adriano Galliani, has decided to part ways with the club steeped in his childhood memories. This shift comes on the heels of Beckett Layne Ventures, an American investment group, finalizing its acquisition of the club on Thursday. The sale, which was initially agreed upon back in July, marks not only a new chapter for Monza but also the exit of the renowned Berlusconi family from the soccer scene once more.
Ownership Transition
The official announcement revealed that Beckett Layne Ventures (BLV) has secured an 80% ownership of Monza, while the Berlusconi family’s Fininvest will maintain a minority stake of 20%, which is set to transition to BLV by June of next year.
Galliani’s Departure
Galliani, aged 81, expressed profound gratitude to the new owners but also chose to decline their offer to serve as president of Monza. In a heartfelt communication, he shared his decision with both the new ownership and Fininvest, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to the club that he has supported since the tender age of five. Galliani explained his choice was aimed at allowing the new management the freedom to implement their vision for the club’s future.
“Monza has been my passion and I want to ensure that I can devote my attention to other commitments and give the new team room to express their ideas,”
he stated.
The Berlusconi Legacy
The Berlusconi family, having acquired Monza in 2018, played a pivotal role in the club’s ascent from the third tier of Italian football to the esteemed Serie A. However, the team’s fortunes dipped dramatically as they finished last in the league last season, leading to their relegation back to Serie B. The Berlusconi legacy in Italian football, spearheaded by the late Silvio Berlusconi—who passed away in 2023—was also marked by his historic ownership of AC Milan, where he and Galliani celebrated extraordinary success, clinching 29 titles in 31 seasons.
New Investors’ Commitment
In a financial agreement reported at around €30 million (approximately $35 million), the new investors, Brandon Berger and Lauren Crampsie, made their commitment clear, acknowledging the collaborative effort of the Berlusconi family and the Fininvest Group during the takeover process. They also expressed appreciation for the support received from Galliani and the club’s professionals, indicating a smooth transition into their new roles as they take on this exciting challenge in the sports sector.
