# FC Nantes sale faces scrutiny amid financial verification

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/potential-sale-of-fc-nantes
> Updated: 2026-10-01T14:04:02.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 6.

Negotiations for the sale of FC Nantes have reached a critical stage as owner Waldemar Kita has reportedly signed a sale agreement with Phenix Sports Invest. This consortium, led by Paulo Tavares and comprising investors from France, Portugal, and Luxembourg, is involved in a transaction valued between €100 million and €125 million. If completed, the deal would end Kita’s 19-year tenure as president and owner.

However, the transaction remains unfinalized and faces significant scrutiny. While a memorandum of understanding has been signed, representatives for the Kita family have clarified that a formal sale agreement is not yet complete. The process must still pass mandatory administrative stages, most notably a financial review by the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion (DNCG) to verify the buyers' capacity.

Doubts regarding the group’s financial solidity have emerged, with observers noting Paulo Tavares’s previous unsuccessful attempt to acquire AS Saint-Étienne due to difficulties in presenting necessary funds. Additionally, the supporter group Brigade Loire has expressed skepticism toward the takeover. Critics have also questioned the club's valuation, citing the lack of ownership over its stadium and training facilities, alongside declining television rights revenues.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: FC Nantes sale faces scrutiny amid financial verification

The sale of FC Nantes to Paulo Tavares's Phoenix Sports Invest remains unconfirmed as the Kita family awaits DNCG financial verification and faces skepticism from supporters.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-nantes-sale-faces-scrutiny-amid-financial-verification

### 2026-09-29: FC Nantes owner Waldemar Kita signs sale agreement with investor group

Waldemar Kita has signed an agreement to sell FC Nantes to Phenix Sports Invest, a consortium led by Paulo Tavares, for an estimated 100 to 125 million euros.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-nantes-sale-negotiations-involve-portuguese-investor-group

### 2026-09-26: FC Nantes sale advances with Paulo Tavares leading bid

Paulo Tavares's Phenix Sport Invest is leading a bid to purchase FC Nantes, with plans to involve stars like Marcelo to boost the club's international image.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-nantes-sale-rumors-face-denial-amid-om-valuation-debate

### 2026-09-24: FC Nantes sale enters advanced negotiations with French and Portuguese investors

Negotiations to sell FC Nantes are advancing, with French and Portuguese investors reportedly in talks with owner Waldemar Kita for a deal potentially worth up to €100 million.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-nantes-enters-negotiations-for-potential-sale

### 2026-09-12: FC Nantes president Waldemar Kita confirms club sale offers

FC Nantes president Waldemar Kita has confirmed receiving three takeover bids but stated no deal is imminent as he seeks a buyer with sufficient guarantees and a viable long-term project.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-nantes-president-waldemar-kita-confirms-club-sale-offers

### 2026-09-09: FC Nantes nears sale to British investment fund

FC Nantes is reportedly nearing a sale to a British investment fund. The potential takeover focuses on a business model centered on youth academy development and player trading.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-nantes-nears-sale-to-british-investment-fund

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Cite as: FC Nantes sale faces scrutiny amid financial verification. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/potential-sale-of-fc-nantes