The “Collectif Nantais”, which brings together business leaders from Nantes and former goalkeeper Mickaël Landreau, announced that it had gathered 1,728 subscribers and 259,500 euros in a fundraiser aimed at involving supporters in an eventual takeover project. of FC Nantes. Founded in June 2021, the Collectif Nantais has already raised several million euros from local businesses and former players. He had launched a crowdfunding campaign in March which ended on Tuesday evening. The entry ticket was set at 100 euros, which were placed in escrow, like the funds of the largest partners.
The Collectif Nantais spoke of a “successful” mission, welcoming in particular the initiatives of supporters’ clubs which have launched derivative products to allow “smaller budgets to be part of the adventure”. At the same time, the collective ensures that it continues to open up to more important partners outside the limits of Nantes territory. To succeed in the takeover, he will have to find a main investor willing to provide the necessary tens of millions of euros… and convince the current owner Waldemar Kita to sell, which is not on the agenda.
Arrived in 2007, Mr. Kita is very criticized by a large part of the supporters and isolated within the fabric of Nantes. He regularly declared that he was not a seller but that he remained attentive to possible buyout offers, while expressing his distrust of Mr. Landreau. He also seems invigorated by the current success of the club, which won the Coupe de France in early May, a first title since 2001, synonymous with qualification for the Europa League next season.