Victor MacFarlane has announced his sale of his ownership interest in the D.C. United soccer club to his partner Will Chang. Formerly co-led by Victor MacFarlane, MacFarlane-Chang D.C. Soccer LLC is a venture that owns and controls the operating rights to D.C. United of Major League Soccer (MLS). The venture included MacFarlane, founder and managing principal of MacFarlane Partners, and William H.C. ("Will") Chang, chairman of the global investment firm Westlake International Group and one of the owners of the Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants.
"Under the continuing ownership and leadership of my very good and long-time friend Will Chang and the D.C. United management team, I am confident there will be many more trophies to come," said MacFarlane. "It has been an exciting and challenging last few years for D.C. United. I have been so positively impressed with the limitless support of our fans, as well as the community, who all so energetically have voiced their desire to keep the team in the area. Though I now change my status from owner and fan to just fan, I plan to continue to champion D.C. United's goals - on and off the field." MacFarlane and Chang purchased the rights to D.C. United in January 2007 from the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). Chang assumes sole control of the team. All other team management will remain in place.
"We have many challenges ahead for both the team and a stadium site, but I am confident we will emerge successful on both fronts - including bringing the club to a stronger international level," said Chang. "We will only improve our strategy on and off the field."
"Will's management expertise and passion for the team already reap benefits in performance as demonstrated by the unpredicted success of the team to date. I am certain those traits will bring the team to new heights. As I devote greater attention to MacFarlane Partners and my projects in multiple cities coast to coast, I will continue to track and root for D.C. United, and assist my friend Will, if and when needed," added MacFarlane.
About MacFarlane Partners
MacFarlane Partners is a real estate investment management firm that manages $10 billion in assets on behalf of some of the world's largest pension plans and institutions. Founded in 1987, the firm pioneered the urban investment concept among institutional real estate investment managers in the mid-1990s and today is a preferred capital provider for properties that promote smart growth, urban revitalization and sustainability in urban and high-density suburban areas nationwide.
MacFarlane Partners is headquartered in San Francisco, with regional offices in Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; and the greater New York metropolitan area. For additional information, please visit the firm's Web site at www.macfarlanepartners.com.
