Abu Dhabi’s CYVN and Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Finalize Landmark Acquisition of McLaren Automotive and Stake in Racing
Abu Dhabi, UAE & Manama, Bahrain – In a move poised to reshape the future of the iconic British luxury automotive and motorsport brand, Abu Dhabi-based advanced mobility investment firm CYVN Holdings LLC and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company BSC(c) (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, have officially announced the successful completion of CYVN’s acquisition of McLaren Automotive and a non-controlling stake in McLaren Racing.
The finalized deal, which follows a strategic agreement announced in December 2024, marks a significant step in CYVN’s ambition to establish a leading, globally interconnected mobility platform. For Mumtalakat, the transaction aligns with its strategy to optimize its investment portfolio and ensure sustainable long-term financial returns.
Under the terms of the agreement, CYVN has acquired a controlling interest in McLaren Automotive, the division responsible for the design, engineering, and manufacture of McLaren’s high-performance supercars and hypercars. Simultaneously, CYVN has also secured a non-controlling stake in McLaren Racing, the renowned Formula 1 team and broader motorsport arm of the McLaren Group. Mumtalakat will retain a significant stake in McLaren Racing and will continue to be a major shareholder in the overall McLaren Group.
This strategic acquisition is expected to inject fresh capital and technological expertise into McLaren, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions. CYVN’s backing, leveraging its strategic investments in the mobility sector, is anticipated to accelerate McLaren Automotive’s growth plans and facilitate the development of innovative new products.
In a parallel announcement, CYVN revealed the consolidation of its UK-based investments under a newly formed entity, McLaren Group Holdings. This new holding company will integrate McLaren Automotive with Forseven, CYVN’s British luxury electric vehicle start-up. Nick Collins, previously CEO of Forseven, has been appointed as the CEO of the newly formed McLaren Group Holdings, signaling a clear intent to drive synergies and innovation across the combined entities. The McLaren Group Holdings will also encompass CYVN’s stake in McLaren Racing and the newly established McLaren Licensing business.
While the ownership structure of McLaren Automotive has shifted, McLaren Racing will continue to operate independently under the leadership of Executive Chairman Paul Walsh and CEO Zak Brown. This ensures that the racing division’s focus on achieving peak performance on the track remains undiluted.
Paul Walsh, Executive Chairman of McLaren Racing, welcomed the completion of the deal, stating, “The investment will no doubt accelerate the next chapter in McLaren Automotive’s growth, provide long-term stability and help future-proof the business. We are excited about the possibility to collaborate even more closely with our colleagues at Automotive as well as our shareholders going forward to fully capitalize on opportunities for growth and global expansion of the McLaren brand.”
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, emphasized the continued growth trajectory of the racing team, adding, “The completion of the deal and investment in the wider business will allow us to continue on that growth path going forward.”
This landmark acquisition by CYVN and Mumtalakat signifies a pivotal moment for McLaren. The infusion of capital and technological resources, coupled with the strategic consolidation under McLaren Group Holdings, positions the British marque for an exciting new era of innovation and growth in the high-performance automotive and motorsport landscape. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and the iconic McLaren brand is set to drive advancements in both road-going vehicles and the thrilling world of racing.
