01:13 PM EDT, 07/16/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Apollo Global Management ( APO ) is in discussions about acquiring a stake in the holding company that controls Spanish football club Atletico Madrid, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, citing a club official.

Atletico Madrid has been seeking investors to help fund an 800 million euros ($930.1 million) real estate development project next to its stadium, known as Ciudad del Deporte. During those talks, Apollo raised the alternative idea of buying a stake in Atletico Holdco, the club's parent company, the report added.

The club's major shareholders, chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and chair Enrique Cerezo, are not willing to sell their existing shares but may consider issuing new equity to bring Apollo in, according to the official.

Ares Management ( ARES ) , which owns a 34% stake in the holding company, could also potentially sell some or all of its stake, people familiar with the matter told the Financial Times.

Apollo has not made a formal offer, and negotiations are not underway. There is no certainty that a deal will be reached, according to the report.

Apollo Global Management ( APO ) and Ares Management ( ARES ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

Shares of Apollo were up 3% in recent Wednesday trading.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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