Dutch Side Ajax Could Buy Out Amsterdam ArenA As City Considers Selling Stake

Dutch Eredivisie side Ajax "is considering the possibility of making a buy-out offer for a majority stake in the Amsterdam ArenA," according to Zack Newmark of NL TIMES. Voetbal Int'l reported Ajax Managing Dir Michael Kinsbergen "drew up a medium-term plan in which the potential purchase is included." Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan and the aldermen announced an investigation into divesting various city assets, a March 6 press release stated. The city holds a 48% "ownership interest in the Amsterdam Arena, which is on the list of assets the city could sell off." Currently, Ajax owns a 13% stake in the stadium. By purchasing more than 37% of the shares, Ajax "would effectively gain control over the stadium." The acquisition plan "is still in development phase" (NL TIMES, 4/22).