Wrexham's Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney join group buying into Alpine F1
Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are set to expand their sports investment portfolio after making moves to take a stake in F1 outfit Alpine
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are poised to delve further into sports investment after the Wrexham co-owners joined a group purchasing a stake in Formula 1 outfit Alpine.
The Hollywood duo are set to join Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners in taking part of a 24% equity share in the F 1 team. It's understood the stake is worth £171million, putting the overall value of the team at around £707m.
It signifies the latest push for prominence in the sports industry after Reynolds and McElhenney established themselves as star investors at Wrexham. Having officially taken control of the club in 2021, the pair have become beloved figures after helping Phil Parkinson's men win the National League crown this past season.
Part of that appeal has come thanks to the fly-on-the-wall series tracking the club's progress since their arrival. 'Welcome to Wrexham' has helped bring in legions of new international fans, and Alpine will hope the star duo can have a similar impact on their F1 fortunes.
Blockbuster sensation Reynolds, 46, operates Maximum Effort Investments, an investment vehicle and production company that counts 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' star McElhenney and 'Creed' actor Michael B. Jordan among its backers. Reynolds has also earned major profits through brands like Aviation Gin, network operator Mint Mobile and Betty Buzz, a drinks company owned by his wife, Blake Lively.
Laurent Rossi, Alpine's chief executive, said: "This association is an important step to enhance our performance at all levels.
"Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners and Maximum Effort Investments, as international players with strong track record in the sports industry, will bring their recognised expertise to boost our media and marketing strategy, essential to support our sporting performance over the long term."
Rossi also hoped the addition of star figures like Reynolds and McElhenney would help accelerate Alpine's 'Mountain Climber' plan. The initiative - which started in 2022 - established a target for the team to be fighting for championships within 100 races.
 |
| 📷 Renault rebranded as Alpine in 2021 but has only won a single F1 race since then (Image: Getty Images) |
Drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly currently sit a respective ninth and 10th in the F1 standings approaching the midway mark this season. Ocon, 26, recorded the team's only podium finish so far this year when he came third in Monaco in May, while the outfit boasts a single race win since rebranding from Renault in 2021.
As well as their investment in Alpine, RedBird also purchased Serie A giants AC Milan for £1billion in 2022 and owns a controlling stake in French side Toulouse. It also holds shares in Fenway Sports Group, which owns Premier League outfit Liverpool and MLB's Boston Red Sox.
Okeke George Chijioke
When you don't see Okeke George blogging, he sure will engage him self in sporting activities.
