When I read the headline, I thought, "Hang on, perhaps the money-mad-midget' is actually prepared to let go of some of his empire. What'll he do with his cash? Buy Antigua?"
Then when I read on, it seems he hands over the reins, gets a substantial wad for his troubles, and is kept on as chief exec.
Smart one, Mr. Ecc. keeps a hold of his power trip while adding to his wad.
Bernie's the one on the right
F1 boss sells commercial rights
Private equity group CVC Capital Partners has completed its takeover of Formula One's commercial rights.
CVC's Donald Mackenzie said the company was now looking forward to working with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone "to further develop and grow the business".
The European Commission gave the green light to the deal last week, saying it would not significantly impede effective competition.
CVC will run F1 through new subsidiary Alpha Prema UK.
Uncertain Future
Brussels approval of the deal was conditional on CVC selling Spanish subsidiary Dorna.
CVC plans to keep Ecclestone as chief executive. The 75-year-old has made a fortune from exploiting the rights to F1.
The sport is still facing an uncertain future, with car makers threatening to break away and set up a rival championship in 2008 unless significant changes are made to the way it is run.
Mr Ecclestone and German bank BayernLB are selling their stakes to CVC Capital Partners for an undisclosed price, giving CVC majority control over the motor racing company.
CVC currently owns 38 firms in Europe and is also the majority shareholder of the Automobile Association (AA) in the UK.
Source: BBC News