# Real Madrid to Allow External investment for First Time in Club History
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has confirmed plans to change the Spanish soccer giants’ ownership model to allow external investment for the first time in the club’s 123-year history.
The LaLiga outfit has been considering options to change its ownership structure over the past 12 months, including potentially allowing investors to buy shares in the club.
Real are one of four LaLiga clubs owned by their members – or ‘socios’ – alongside Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna and fierce rivals Barcelona.
However, Perez said in November last year that he was considering holding a vote around changing the club’s ownership structure, but no further details have been made public since then.
The Athletic reported last month that Perez was set to present plans at Real’s general assembly on 23rd November, having been working with advisors at Key Capital Partners and law firm Clifford Chance on changes that would allow for external investment while retaining control for their members.
Now, Perez has revealed plans for a “minority shareholder” to enter the club alongside its current membership of over 98,000.
“During these months we have reflected deeply on how to make visible the value of Real Madrid and the conclusion is clear,” said Perez, as reported by The Athletic. “We will continue to be a members’ club, but we will make a subsidiary company in which the socios maintain control but with a minority shareholder with five per cent or so (of the shares).
“This way we can know what the club is worth. We do not want to float on the stock exchange. We will limit the share of investment so that the club remains in the hands of its socios. this investor or investors must share our values and help protect our assets against external attacks.
“Real Madrid will always have the right to take back the investment. Madrid must not depend on just some directors or one president, we do not want it to fall into the hands of anyone.This step will be decided freely by all members by referendum. At the EGM (unusual general assembly) we will be able to explain more, but I want to avoid all the things in the papers these days.”
Members will need to approve any changes to the ownership model and Pérez said that the EGM will give a