French Side Toulouse, RedBird Capital Finalizing Takeover

Ligue 1 side Toulouse has entered into an exclusivity period with American investment firm RedBird Capital Partners in order to complete an 85% sale of the club. Toulouse President Olivier Sadran praised RedBird's ability to return the club "to the elite of French football" and said he is "keen to retain a minority stake" under the deal. RedBird has partnered with the NFL, Yankees and Cowboys as well as several Players Associations across the US (Toulouse). Sadran in a letter to a club sponsor wrote that he hopes to finalize the sale "before July 15." Sadran added he and RedBird have been "in contact for over six months" regarding a deal. Sadran has been the majority shareholder of Toulouse since '01 (L'EQUIPE, 5/21).