Patrick Lefevere in talks with potential buyers of his shares at Soudal - Quick-Step: "In recent years I have had five potential buyers, one was even Belgian"

Patrick Lefevere is said to be looking for buyers for his shares in the Soudal - Quick-Step team. According to the AD, the eccentric team boss of the Belgian formation wants to get rid of it and owner Zdeněk Bakala is also open to selling the team.

"We're at the Tour, aren't we? There are a thousand stories. You should see the number of appointments I already had with people who are interested. And then they drop out again," says Lefevere. "Bakala bought the team in 2010. I have twenty percent shares. Bessel Kok's ten percent went to Bakala, who now has eighty percent. I have nothing to say. I will forward them."

"This is small business for Bakala. In recent years I have had five potential buyers, one was even Belgian," he says.

Bakala did say this spring that he was still thinking about it. "We have sponsors until 2027, and a good portfolio of riders, if a prospective buyer comes along, it might be good to listen," Lefevere quotes the Czech owner. "But Bakala doesn't need the money. He's more interested in someone who wants to buy some shares and do a capital raise to bring in some millions."

According to HLN, there would be an American investor who is willing to take over Soudal Quick-Step for an amount of 15 million euros. "15 million euros, and then? That's 3 million for me and 12 million for Bakala. Do you think he needs that? He's really not interested."