Pinsent Masons advises Everton FC on its sale to US based The Friedkin Group

25 Sep 2024 | 08:48 am | 1 min. read

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised longstanding client Everton FC throughout the process of securing new ownership for the club, culminating in the recent announcement of an agreement for the sale of a majority interest to US-based The Friedkin Group.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, including from the Premier League and the Financial Conduct Authority, is a hallmark deal for the club, ahead of their move to their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock. The Pinsent Masons team was led by partners James Kaye and Tom Leman, supported by Julian Diaz Rainey as client partner and Trevor Watkins, head of the firm's global sports advisory team. The multi-specialist PM team also included Matthew Clayton-Stead, Phil Chee and Lawrence Hopkins.

Katie Charles, Chief Legal Counsel at Everton FC commented, "We have very much relied upon the insight, pragmatism, support and value the Pinsent Masons team have brought to us throughout this transaction and the various developments over the last couple of years. It has been invaluable."

Commenting on the deal, James Kaye said, "We are very pleased to have worked with the excellent team at Everton to deliver a transaction which should provide stability and opportunity for a club that has been such a feature of the top flight of English football.

Tom Leman added, "Everton FC are a great club and we were thrilled to advise the board and use our legal excellence, sector deal experience and significant depth of resource to help get this transaction across the line.

This latest transaction the firm has advised on builds on a track record of advising on sports related matters - including having advised Tom Ricketts, owner of the Chicago Cubs on his group's bid for Chelsea FC, US investor ALK Capital on their acquisition of Premier League side Burnley FC, AFC Bournemouth owner Black Knight Football and Entertainment headed by Las Vegas Knights owner Bill Foley on their acquisition of a minority stake into French side Lorient FC, Chicago based PEAK6 in relation to their investments into Premier League sides AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, US owner JMI Sports on multiple projects and Championship side Plymouth Argyle FC on the sale of a minority stake.

Latest press releases

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons broadens London IP bench with triple partner hire

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has today announced the hire of three intellectual property (IP) partners and a legal director to its IP team in London.

Pinsent Masons bolsters global energy offering with new corporate partner in Aberdeen

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired energy specialist Chris Sawyer to join the corporate team as a partner in the firm’s Aberdeen office from 27 May.

Pinsent Masons collaborates with Digital Urban Place on smart cities & campuses partnership

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has agreed a collaboration with Digital Urban Place, an award-winning digital twin provider, to work together to provide holistic legal and technology lifecycle services to the real estate and built environment sector.

People who viewed this press release also viewed

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons bolsters global energy offering with new corporate partner in Aberdeen

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired energy specialist Chris Sawyer to join the corporate team as a partner in the firm’s Aberdeen office from 27 May.

Pinsent Masons bolsters UK corporate practice with hire of expert healthcare and higher education partner

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired corporate partner, Rachel Soundy, to join the firm’s Birmingham office.

Pinsent Masons advises Elphinstone Group on takeover bid

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised Australian heavy machinery manufacturer Elphinstone Group on its proposed takeover bid for Engenco Limited, a provider of sustainable transportation products.

For all media enquiries, including arranging an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the press office on

+44 (0)20 7418 8199 or 

Location contacts

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.