Following their recent Serie A title win, Inter Milan has been thrown into turmoil as US investment fund Oaktree has started proceedings to take control of the club. Oaktree announced in a press release that as of May 22, 2024, they own Inter due to the club’s failure to repay a three-year loan totaling approximately €395 million.
The financial troubles for Inter began in May 2021 when Oaktree provided a loan of €275 million to help the club cover its expenses and obligations. Despite this, Inter continued to perform well on the field, winning the Serie A title this season. However, the loan was not repaid in full by the deadline, leading Oaktree to take ownership of the club.
Inter President Steven Zhang expressed his frustration with Oaktree’s actions, stating that the club had been working to find a resolution but faced obstacles from the investment fund. Zhang reassured fans that the club would do everything possible to protect its stability and values, while also seeking a peaceful resolution with Oaktree.
Unlike AC Milan, who are also owned by an investment fund, there is a key difference in Inter’s situation. Oaktree will need to pay the difference between the club’s valuation and the outstanding loan debt, as stated in their contract with Zhang. This could require a significant investment from Oaktree, potentially leading to them looking to sell their stake in Inter in the near future.
Oaktree has stated that they plan to work closely with Inter’s current management team and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for the club. Alejandro Cano, Managing Director of Oaktree’s Global Opportunities strategy, has emphasized the importance of positioning Inter for success both on and off the pitch.
The situation with Oaktree taking control of Inter has raised concerns about the club’s future stability and success. Fans and officials will be closely monitoring developments in the coming weeks to see how the ownership change will impact the club’s operations and performance. Despite the challenges ahead, Inter remains determined to overcome this setback and continue their legacy as one of Italy’s most successful football clubs.
