Altor Capital Takes Controlling Stake in Tickford Racing

Prime Financial Group (ASX:PFG), through its Alternative Asset Management business Altor Capital, has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in the Supercars team Tickford Racing. The transaction, announced from Sydney, secures investment for the Ford Monster Castrol Mustang Supercars Team and is intended to transform motor racing in Australia and New Zealand.

The investment is the latest move by Altor Capital into the Supercars ecosystem, following its 2024 investment in RACE, the ownership group of the Repco Supercars Championship. The acquisition marks Altor’s fourth venture in sports and entertainment, which also includes a controlling stake in the NBL franchise the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Commenting on the robust investor appetite that drove the deal, prime partner and head of Sports and Entertainment, Rhys Lenarduzzi, said: “The Supercars is one of the sports and entertainment products for which we’ve received a huge amount of investor interest.”

He asserted that the presence of sophisticated ownership is vital for the sport’s commercial future, stating it translates into high calibre commercial deals, and attracts elite talent, from drivers and engineers to executives.

Tickford Racing will retain continuity in key leadership positions. Legendary team owner, Rod Nash, will remain a major shareholder and assume the role of director of Motorsport, while experienced executive Simon Brookhouse will continue as CEO.

Welcoming the new ownership, Mr Brookhouse, described the investment as an endorsement of the team’s history and future direction.

“We are thrilled with the decision by Altor Capital to make this investment in Tickford Racing, which continues a proud tradition in the Supercars Championship.”

“The world of sports is increasingly headed towards private investment with backing of sophisticated capital and we welcome the level of professionalism that comes with this investment,” Mr Brookhouse said.

Expressing enthusiasm for partnering with the team, Altor’s chief investment officer, Ben Harrison, viewed it as an investment in a premier, high-quality platform.

“We are excited to be partnering with Rod, Simon and the Tickford Racing team as it embarks on its next leg of growth.” 

The transaction occurs against a backdrop of increasing commercial strength for the Supercars Championship, which recently renewed its four-year broadcast deal with the Seven Network, Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, and Sky NZ.

Supercars chairman, Barclay Nettlefold, affirmed that the deal confirms the sport’s upward commercial trajectory.

“The investment is a testament to the attractiveness of the Supercars as a growth asset… professional investors appreciate the trajectory we are on.”

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