Park Bench takes over Girondins Bordeaux for one euro
The insolvent historic club Girondins de Bordeaux, once a six-time French football champion, announced on Wednesday the sale to the British investment fund Park Bench – the purchase is for a symbolic euro and is intended to lift the nationwide ban on the club.
Financial Misery and Symbolic Sale
The club is currently excluded from competition due to insolvency and has already been relegated to the sixth division. AFP reported that the takeover is to occur “for a symbolic euro with assumption of the debts”. The new ownership structure could avert an impending bankruptcy.
Gérard Lopez's Last Attempt
The Spanish‑Luxembourgish businessman Gérard Lopez tried until the end to retain a stake in the club. He initially wanted 15 % of the capital with an anti‑dilution clause, then reduced it to 10 %, but Park Bench rejected every demand.
Outlook for the Upcoming Season
The regional control and management commission of the league must approve the new ownership structure as well as the budget for the 2026/2027 season before Girondins can officially compete in Régional 1. Additionally, a commercial court must confirm the restructuring to renegotiate the debts.
The sale also includes a twelve‑year continuation plan, replacing the previous ten‑year term, and a reduction of state claims: 50 % of the VAT on just over €5 million and 50 % of the Urssaf contributions on €4.2 million are to be waived.
Thus ends the phase in which Girondins Bordeaux was only reachable via the app and external content, and opens the possibility to reintegrate the club into regular competition.