Jean-Michel Aulas makes a remarkable appearance in the program “Who wants to be my partner?” on M6 this Wednesday. The businessman has lost none of his energy for the business …
This Wednesday, at 9:10 p.m. on M6, many viewers will see a ghost arriving. The show Who is my partner ? has a brand surprise guest, in the person of Jean-Michel Aulas. The one who almost disappeared in the eyes of the general public and football enthusiasts in 2023, after 35 years of good and loyal service at the head of Olympique Lyonnais, will support a duo of entrepreneurs from the capital of Gaul, who came to present An innovative project: a range of food and cosmetics based on saffron, called Naali.
At 75, the experienced entrepreneur and a must-have figure in French football (he is still vice-president of the French Football Federation since December 15, 2023 and president of the Women’s Professional Football League since July 1, 2024) should therefore be Noticed, in a fairly unusual approach for the program. In Who is my partner ?project leaders generally come alone to present their company, with 90 seconds to convince a jury of potential investors to enter the capital. A real media and financial springboard for these young shoots in search of support.
Jean-Michel Aulas made a very big purchase
Having the support of Jean-Michel Aulas, a businessman whose reputation and character are not entirely unknown, should increase the promo effect tenfold. After his epic with Olympique Lyonnais, which he passed from a D2 club to a strong place in European football, “JMA” had left his duties in May 2023, following the sale of the American club John Textor. But there is no question for him to retire. President of the Holnest family investment company, whom he heads with his son Alexandre, Jean-Michel Aulas notably bought the Décines event complex last summer, the LDLC Arena, for 70 million euros.
An operation which demonstrates that, despite his departure from OL, his thirst for entrepreneurship is intact. The LDLC Arena would generate an annual turnover of 40 million euros according to the local press. An amount that Jean-Michel Aulas’ company intends to increase with 120 events per year, including at least 80 concerts, to use the complex at 100% of its capacities.
Forbes estimated in 2022 the heritage of Jean-Michel Aulas at nearly 600 million euros, a fortune which nevertheless melted at 450 million euros, according to figures from the magazine Challenges in July 2024. ” JMA “is still among the 500 fortunes in France.
It is in the last third of the show that viewers will discover if Jean-Michel Aulas’ advice and his displayed support will have been enough to convince investors to bet on Naali products. But one thing is certain: the presence of this experienced business manager, with a well hanged language, promises to spice up debates and negotiations and perhaps giving a great television moment.