Oaktree officially became the new owner of Serie A champion Inter Milan after Suning and Steven Zhang’s eight years at the helm. This change in ownership came after Suning failed to meet the deadline for repaying a debt of nearly 400 million euros. The debt stemmed from a loan taken out three years ago. Oaktree released a statement confirming their ownership of Inter Milan as of May 22, 2024, following the failure to repay the loan. This news came shortly after Inter was presented with its 20th league title.
Inter Milan is now the seventh Serie A club under American ownership, joining the likes of AC Milan, Atalanta, Fiorentina, Roma, Genoa, and newly-promoted Parma. While it was initially uncertain whether Oaktree would sell Inter, managing director Alejandro Cano stated that the focus is on the long-term future of the club. He emphasized the commitment to the success of Inter Milan and the importance of operational and financial stability. Cano expressed respect for the club’s management team and a desire to work closely with them to provide strong leadership.
The new owners, Oaktree Capital Management, LP, emphasized their responsibility towards the Inter Milan community, history, and legacy. They stated their commitment to the long-term success of the Nerazzurri and their alignment with the ambitions of the passionate fans of the club in Italy and around the world. The primary focus for Oaktree is on ensuring operational and financial stability for Inter Milan. The management team at Inter Milan is expected to collaborate closely with Oaktree to lead the club in the right direction.
With this change in ownership, Inter Milan enters a new chapter in their history under the ownership of Oaktree. The transition from Suning to Oaktree marks a significant moment for the club, and fans are eager to see how this change will impact the future of Inter Milan. The emphasis on long-term success and stability signals a positive direction for the club, and supporters are hopeful that this new ownership will bring continued success both on and off the field. The partnership between Oaktree and Inter Milan is poised to bring about a new era for the club and its loyal fanbase.
