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Red Bull take a stake in Leeds

The soft drinks giant Red Bull has bought a stake in Leeds United, the club controlled by the private equity arm of the San Francisco 49ers.

Red Bull — which already invests in  clubs in Leipzig, Salzburg and New York — is acquiring a minority shareholding and will also sponsor Leeds’ shirts next season.  There aren't exact numbers yet, but the shirt deal will be worth big money by Championship standards.

But get ready for some reaction from Leeds’ supporters because Red Bull’s history in football — of rebranding teams and operating with a pretty ruthless commercial streak — has not won them many friends.

The Athletic has been told that Red Bull will not be given a seat on Leeds’ board as part of its share acquisition, and that changing the club’s name, shirt colour or stadium name will not be open to discussion in any respect.

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