Inter Milan's value plummeted 75% before Oaktree takeover

Inter Milan's value dropped sharply by 75% before Oaktree Capital took control of the club from its previous Chinese owners, Suning. This major decline happened due to ongoing financial struggles faced by Suning, which was unable to sell the club or refinance its debts. Recent financial reports reveal that Suning cut the value of its 68.55% stake in Inter from €586 million to €148 million. This write-down highlights the severe financial issues affecting one of the most recognized football clubs globally. The value of Inter's equity is now estimated at €215 million, which is less than half of the €400 million Suning owed to Oaktree when they took control in May 2024. Oaktree, a company known for managing distressed debts, initially provided a €275 million emergency loan to help Suning stabilize the club's finances. However, the financial situation worsened due to the high-interest rate on the loan and ongoing losses. By the time Oaktree took over, the debt had risen to nearly €400 million. Despite these financial troubles, Inter Milan is performing well in football. The team leads the Serie A league and remains in the running for the Champions League. Meanwhile, the search for a new buyer for the club has been challenging, with failed attempts to either refinance or find bidders. This situation is similar to that of AC Milan, which was also taken over by an investment group after financial issues. Oaktree has not commented on its management of Inter Milan.