Forget the Revolution. Long live Roma!
News outlets in Italy are reporting that a group of investors with Boston ties is negotiating to buy the AS Roma soccer team.
Thomas R. Di Benedetto, president of investment management firm Boston International Group and a partner at New England Sports Ventures, is reportedly the lead investor in these discussions currently taking place in New York. He is reportedly joined by other local investors, including Michael A. Ruane, of Boston real estate advisory firm TA Associates Realty, and Richard D’Amore, a partner at venture capital firm Northbridge Venture Partners in Waltham.
A woman who answered Di Benedetto’s home phone said he is in meetings today and she declined to comment further. Ruane’s assistant at his Boston office said he is traveling today and likely could not be reached. D’Amore was also out of the office and could not be reached for comment this morning.
News reports from Italy are that Di Benedetto will also team up with Julian Movsesian, of the insurance company Succession Capital Alliance, and Florida real estate developer Arthur Falcone.
The reported negotiations come just month’s after New England Sports Ventures, the parent company of the Boston Red Sox, agreed to buy the Liverpool FC soccer team for $476 million.
Thomas Werner, chairman of New England Sports Ventures, said: “NESV is not involved or aware of any discussions in this matter, and NESV has no interest in this investment.”
By Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff