Liberty Media and Dorna respond to European Commission investigation

The steps taken by the European Commission on the acquisition of Dorna by Liberty Media are progressing. The American company has now announced that it has received notice concerning the opening of a more in-depth investigation. The latter would enter phase 2, and therefore continues to cast doubt on the proposed acquisition of Dorna. MotoGP.

The few complications in the process that began in April are therefore proven. However, if the results of the investigation can still jeopardize the project, both parties were keen to express that they had no concerns about its conclusions.

"We expect this acquisition to receive the required EU approval, says Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, the MotoGP rights holder. We are excited about the potential opportunity to work with Liberty Media. In the meantime, we remain committed to our strategy of taking the sport to new heights and continuing our impressive growth rate. We must further expand our global fan base, which already numbers over 500 million people.

In 2024, the season exceeded 3 million spectators for the first time, He continues. Six circuits set new attendance records for their events. Our French GP broke the all-time attendance record. Looking ahead, we don’t just want more of the same. We want even more. And we’re proud that our strategy is already starting to do that. We hope the fans are as excited about the future as we are. The season ahead is shaping up to be incredible.”

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Same confidence at Liberty Media

A confidence shared by Liberty Media, which specifies that the next deadline will take place on June 30, 2025, the Monday following the Assen Grand Prix. Until then, the company will continue to defend its interests with the commission while waiting for its possible approval.

As a reminder, the Commission's concerns mainly relate to the problem of a monopoly in the television rights market. The investigation does not seem to worry the entity that already holds the commercial rights to the Formula 1.

"We are convinced that this transaction will benefit the MotoGP business. But also the fans, the viewers and the motorcycle industry at large, we learn from the official announcement from Liberty Media. Market participants have widely recognised the benefits of the transaction. There is a very large and growing market for audiovisual entertainment well beyond sport. And this transaction will enhance MotoGP's ability to compete in this highly competitive market."

Before concluding. "We believe that the European Commission will conclude that the transaction should be approved."