Mercedes have been told what they can expect moving forward as Sir Jim Ratcliffe edges closer to securing his 25 per cent minority stake in Manchester United.
The INEOS billionaire is already heavily involved in the sponsorship of the Mercedes Formula 1 team but looks set to seek pastures new, as he delves into the world of English football for the very first time. Ratcliffe already owns both FC Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland and OGC Nice in France.
Ratcliffe is parting with a whopping £1.3billion which will see him take over the footballing operations at Old Trafford. As reported by the Manchester Evening News last week, the British billionaire has held virtual meetings with United co-chairman Joel Glazer.
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Concerns were raised over what the 71-year-old's investment at United would do for his long-standing deal with the Mercedes F1 team. But PlanetF1.com report that a source close to the petrochemicals businessman has given the Silver Arrows a safe assurance that Ratcliffe's new venture will not impact his current commitment as his United involvement 'changes nothing'.
Ratcliffe's deal is expected to be completed during the current international break. Mercedes chief Toto Wolff is already said to have spoken with the Manchester-born billionaire and he himself has spoken out on his reassurances regarding his new footballing venture. Speaking before the Brazilian Grand Prix, Wolff told the PA News Agency: “Jim has shared the trajectory with me.
“I very much respect his values and we trust each other. If we felt it would make sense to be part of the investment group then I would certainly look at it."
