ZANDVOORT: Aston Martin is expected to announce a change in its shareholding structure during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, with a leading American sporting figure buying a stake.
Woody Johnson, who owns the NFL’s New York Jets, has purchased a significant minority stake in the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. PlanetF1.com has learned that Aston Martin will confirm the sale to Johnson, an American billionaire businessman and sports franchise owner.
Johnson is the heir to the Johnson & Johnson business family fortune. He is coming onboard as a private investor and will play no executive role in the day-to-day operations of Lawrence Stroll’s squad.
“I am extremely happy to welcome Woody to the Aston Martin family. His experience, passion and investment further strengthen our position as we enter the next phase of our competitive journey,” said Stroll. “His deep appreciation for our brand, combined with his commitment to innovation and commercial opportunity, makes him an ideal partner as we look to the future.”
Johnson’s investment is set to open significant visibility and cross-sporting commercial opportunities for Aston Martin in the United States.
The team’s ownership is currently spread across multiple entities, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Ernesto Bertarelli, Geely, Mercedes, and Lucid. Stroll’s Yew Tree consortium holds the majority stake at around 33 percent.
The exact percentage Johnson will take is not yet known, nor is it expected to be communicated. Some sources have speculated a figure of around 15 percent. Details regarding who has divested shares are also expected to remain private.
Following Aston Martin Lagonda’s sale of its minor stake of around five percent for about $150 million, the organisation was valued at $3.2 billion. That valuation is now understood to have grown to $3.5 billion, meaning Johnson’s investment could be in the region of $525 million.
“During my time as US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, I have developed a deep appreciation for Aston Martin’s rich history, as well as
Source: www.planetf1.com — Read the original article
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