Canadian investment group Kilmer Sports Ventures (KSV) has taken over the historic French football club Saint-Etienne, a day after the club secured its return to Ligue 1. The acquisition was finalized following the sale of shares by Parisian businessman Bernard Caiazzo, 70, and local entrepreneur Roland Romeyer, 78, making Kilmer Sports the sole shareholder, according to a club statement.
The new president of the club will be South African Ivan Gazidis, who played a key role in orchestrating the takeover. Gazidis has an extensive background in football management, having served as CEO of Premier League club Arsenal for a decade and Serie A club AC Milan for four years.
“I understand the significance of Saint-Etienne and feel a deep sense of pride in joining this historic club,” Gazidis, 59, told AFP. “I am committed to helping return the club to its former glory.”
Saint-Etienne was first put up for sale in 2018 and again in 2021, but it was not until now that a deal was successfully concluded. While the financial specifics were not disclosed, the transaction is estimated to be valued at around 20 million euros ($21.6 million).
KSV operates under the Kilmer Group, a Toronto-based company specializing in private equity, real estate, sports, and media. The founder of Kilmer Group, Lawrence Tanenbaum, 78, also chairs Maple Leaf Sports, which owns several major sports franchises in Toronto, including teams in the NBA, NHL, MLS, and CFL.
Saint-Etienne secured their return to Ligue 1 by drawing 2-2 after extra time against Metz, winning the playoff 4-3 on aggregate. They had previously won the first leg 2-1 at their iconic Geoffroy-Guichard stadium.
Gazidis expressed his happiness for everyone involved with the club, including the staff and the town, acknowledging the efforts of Caiazzo and Romeyer. “This is not a moment for us to claim credit,” he said. “We are joining at a fortunate time, which only heightens our sense of responsibility.”
Emphasizing a careful approach, Gazidis added, “This will not be a revolution but an evolution. Our focus is on taking measured steps to ensure stability in Ligue 1.”
Saint-Etienne, a ten-time French champion and 1976 European Cup finalist, last lifted the Ligue 1 trophy in 1981.
