Ajax could buyout Amsterdam ArenA as city considers selling stake

With reporting by Demid Getik. Ajax is considering the possibility of making a buy-out offer for a majority stake in the Amsterdam ArenA. The team's managing director, Michael Kinsbergen, drew up a medium-term plan in which the potential purchase is included, reports Voetbal International. The Mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan, and the aldermen announced an investigation into divesting various city assets, a March 6 press release stated. The city holds a 48 percent ownership interest in the Amsterdam Arena, which is on the list of assets the city could sell off. Currently, Ajax owns a 13 percent stake in the stadium. By purchasing more than 37 percent of the shares, Ajax would effectively gain control over the stadium. Speculation of Ajax trying to become the majority partner in the Arena has popped up repeatedly over the past six months. Private investors own the remaining 39 percent. The acquisition plan, which has several investment options, is still in development phase. Final approval of the plan has to be given by the Supervisory Board of the club.