Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund Acquires UK’s McLaren in £1.2 Billion Deal
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, through its subsidiary CYVN Holdings, has acquired McLaren Automotive in a deal valued at £1.2 billion (approximately AED 5.6 billion), according to First Motors.
The acquisition shifts the iconic British supercar manufacturer’s ownership from Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Co. to Emirati control.
CYVN Holdings will oversee McLaren’s automotive operations while holding a minority stake in McLaren Racing. Meanwhile, Mumtalakat will retain its majority stake in the motorsport division, preserving McLaren’s legacy in elite racing.
Struggling Finances and a Fresh Start
McLaren’s financial challenges have escalated in recent years, with losses surging from £349 million to £924 million in just one year. The pandemic exacerbated these difficulties, forcing the company to sell and lease back its Woking headquarters in the UK and part with a portion of its classic car collection.
Despite raising £1 billion (about AED 4.66 billion) in 2021 and buying out Saudi Arabia’s stake in 2022, McLaren continued to face financial hurdles. The deal with CYVN Holdings represents a lifeline for the company, providing much-needed resources to stabilize and grow.
Electric Innovation: A Leap Toward the Future
McLaren is embarking on an ambitious project: the development of its first fully electric supercar. This initiative comes as the company works to navigate supply chain disruptions and rising costs while maintaining its reputation for high-performance vehicles.
Currently, the hybrid Artura and the GT Grand Tourer are McLaren’s flagship models. However, executives acknowledge that entering the electric vehicle market is essential to secure the company’s future.
Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, CYVN chairman, described the acquisition as an opportunity to “set a new benchmark for excellence” by combining McLaren’s heritage with CYVN’s technological expertise.
Preserving the Motorsport Legacy
While McLaren Automotive transitions to new ownership, Mumtalakat will continue to oversee the motorsport division, ensuring the company’s legacy remains intact.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Mumtalakat chairman, expressed confidence in CYVN’s ability to “unlock McLaren’s full potential” while maintaining the strategic partnership between the two entities.
The acquisition represents a transformative moment for McLaren. With CYVN Holdings’ support, the company aims to recover financially and reposition itself as a leader in high-performance electric innovation. Balancing its storied history with a forward-looking approach, McLaren is setting the stage for a bold new chapter.
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