Pinsent Masons advises on historic women’s English football deal

In the first deal of its kind in English football, and after more than a decade of investment, the Lansdown family is handing over stewardship of the women’s side of Bristol City to Mercury13. The family will retain a minority shareholding in the women’s club which currently competes in Barclays WSL2.

The Pinsent Masons team acting on the transaction was led by Chris Watts and Emily Steed, supported by client Partner Trevor Watkins, Head of the firm’s Global Sports Advisory team. 

Commenting on the deal, Trevor Watkins said: “The huge growth of investment and support into women's football is a global phenomenon. It is part of unprecedented interest reflected in the diversity and calibre of buyers we speak with. This landmark transaction sets a new benchmark for women's professional football in England, and it’s a pleasure to have supported Bristol City FC in this matter.”

Pinsent Masons holds a market-leading position in advising on corporate transactions and financing across the global sports industry. Recent works in the football sector include advising a consortium led by Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family on their bid to buy Chelsea FC, advising Everton Football Club on its sale to US-based The Friedkin Group and supporting West Bromwich Albion Football Club through its takeover by Shilen Patel from Chinese businessman Guochuan Lai.