Ahead of the finish line, just two contenders remain in the race for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Binding bids have been filed, clearing the way for next steps. Now, United Spirits – backed by Diageo – is turning attention to weighing the final options. A choice will emerge once evaluation wraps.
Fresh reports point to EQT, a Sweden-rooted investment group, tossing a heavy sum into the ring. A different push emerges through a team-up including Manipal Hospitals’ Ranjan Pai, backed by American fund KKR along with state-linked Temasek from Singapore.
Facing a deadline, some stayed away. The Glazers, tied to Manchester United, held back. So did Adar Poonawalla. No firm offers came through in the end.
Right now, how much the team is worth drives most of the talk. Past updates suggested owners wanted roughly $2 billion, while one offer still lingers near that mark. A few bidders held back, pointing to unclear future media deals for IPL matches. Should the sale land nearer $1.8 billion, it’d still dwarf the $850 million spent on Lucknow Super Giants three years ago.
A closer look at both offers comes up next. After picking one, news of the buyer needs to reach the Board of Control for Cricket in India before anything changes hands. Even though Diageo wanted things wrapped up by March 31, people familiar say it will probably slide into later months.
Rajasthan Royals reach final stage
Over at Rajasthan Royals, things are shifting quietly behind the scenes. Several interested parties have stepped forward, making their intentions clear. Among them, three offers stand out – firm and detailed. Leading the pack is a group anchored by the Aditya Birla Company, joined by financier David Blitzer, according to sources cited by The Indian Express. Right now, control sits with Emerging Media IPL Ltd, yet signals suggest they might let go of more than just a small share. What was once expected to be a partial exit could turn into something broader.
Fresh talks around the Royals’ ownership could stretch on, since Rajasthan isn’t racing against a set deadline like RCB. Through spring and into summer, analysts see steady movement shaping up behind the scenes.