Rome (AFP) – Spezia became the fifth Serie A club to be under American ownership after announcing on Thursday a takeover by businessman Robert Platek and his family.
The Italian outfit, declared bankrupt in 2008, join Roma, Fiorentina, AC Milan and Parma in being owned or part-owned by American firms or individuals.
They were relegated to the fifth tier due to their financial issues before reaching the top flight for the first time this season.
“It has been our long-held ambition to find the right opportunity to partner with a special club in Italy,” the Platek family said in a statement.
“We are humbled by this opportunity to become stewards of the club.
“As a family, we are proud to play a small role in helping the team to grow, achieve further success and make the fans proud.”
According to Italian media, the Plateks paid around 25 million euros ($30.3 million) for the side, sitting 16th place in the table.
Spezia said it was a personal investment by the Plateks and has no link to MSD capital, a fund started by technology giant Michael Dell, despite Robert’s position in the company.
Robert Platek is also majority shareholder of Danish top-tier outfit SonderjyskE.
