Williams F1 Team listed on Frankfurt stock exchange


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Not a billionaire but want to own an F1 team? It’s now possible to own at least part of the Williams Formula 1 Team as they’re now listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange, the first F1 team to sell shares to the public.

Williams’ initial public offering comprised 2,409,383 existing shares at 25 euros each, valuing the placement at 60 million euros. The Grove based team’s stock declined 2.5% to 24.38 euros on its debut day.

The majority shareholder is still Sir Frank Williams, who has over 50%. Co-founder Patrick Head, who will leave the team after this season, has sold most of his 23.5% share. Austrian investor Toto Wolff, who bought in during 2009, also sold some of his shares after the sale was fully subscribed. Cyrte Investments BV, an investment fund of Aviva Plc’s Dutch Delta Lloyd unit, bought 5% of Williams after the listing.

“Our listing marks a new era in the history of the team. Williams’ future as an independent constructor is sustained by this listing, providing us the base from which to grow further. Williams offers a unique opportunity to investors, and the response to the offering is recognition of this,” Sir Frank said.

Williams CEO Adam Parr, who paid a visit to Frankfurt, described the IPO as unlocking the value of Williams’ brand and intellectual property.