Briatore claims Alpine stake bid implies $3.2 Billion valuation

Alpine stake linked to major valuation claim

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore says Renault Group has received an offer for the coveted 24 percent stake in the Formula 1 team, a proposal he says values the Enstone-based operation at $3.2 billion.

No buyer has been identified publicly. The situation is unfolding as Alpine prepares for a significant change in its commercial identity, with a forthcoming title sponsorship agreement involving fashion brand Gucci.

“No, no, we are more,” Briatore said.

He then outlined the valuation attached to the reported offer for Otro Capital’s holding: “We have an offer, we have an [offer] for the 24 percent of Otro, the valuation [is] 3.2 [billion].”

Renault remains central to the decision

Briatore also connected Alpine’s valuation with that of its parent company, Renault. He said Renault is valued at $8.3 billion and that discussions are working around a $3.5 billion valuation for the team, describing Alpine as representing 40 or 50 percent of that figure.

The comments underline the scale of the financial expectations surrounding the minority holding. They also show why the identity and role of any future partner remain important to the Renault Group, even if Briatore insists the ownership question does not affect the team’s immediate operation.

Minority partner must bring more than finance

Briatore said the ideal partner would provide more than capital, potentially contributing technology or additional financial support. However, he questioned whether a buyer would commit around $600 million for a minority position without an agreement with Renault’s majority ownership.

“I never see somebody spend 600 million to buy a minority, to be signed as partner, if you don’t agree with the majority,” he said.

Briatore added that Renault is negotiating the matter and suggested that no dramatic development was expected in September. From the team’s perspective, he said, the identity of the minority shareholder makes no difference: “We have Otro, now tomorrow we have somebody else.”

The reported bid nevertheless places a striking figure on Alpine’s commercial standing, building on Briatore’s wider view that Formula 1 has become “the place to be” as previously discussed.