Pinsent Masons advises ALK Capital on its acquisition of Burnley FC

ALK Capital, an American consortium with substantial experience of sporting operations, has taken a controlling stake in English Premier League side Burnley F.C. The transaction was negotiated during the course of 2020 and completed on 31 December 2020.

The team at Pinsent Masons was led by Trevor Watkins, Global Head of Sport and comprised a multidisciplinary team of over 20 fee earners including Ben Proctor, Barry McCaig, Ces Bandini, Kieran Toal, Holly Wray on the corporate aspects of the transaction. Matthew Clayton Stead, Luke Etson, Uzair Patel, advised on finance matters alongside Peter Morley and Andrew McCarthy advising on tax structuring.  

Commenting on the deal Trevor Watkins said:

"It's been a matter of great pride for our team to be appointed by ALK Capital to advise on what is the first major acquisition of a Premier League side by external investors in almost five years and one of the most significant corporate projects within sport this year.

"We were able to provide local support by utilising our Leeds office to drive the diligence, financing and large parts of the corporate work on the deal working with other members of our global business of sport team in London and Glasgow. The project adds to our extensive track record of working on major investment and financing transactions across sport and media. For the sports industry itself, it brings new experienced investors into football, an exciting development that also sets a new benchmark whilst demonstrating the significant value and interest that European football continues to create globally."