Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised ALK Capital on the acquisition of Burnley Football Club.

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."

So, we learn a little more from Pinsent's statement.

"New experienced investors into football.... sets a benchmark.... demonstrating the significant value and interest that European football continues to create globally."

Also, "one of the most significant corporate projects within sport this year." And, "first major acquisition of a Premier League side by external investors in almost five years..."

I worked with Pinsent's Leeds office several years ago. So far back that I can't remember who I was working for at the time, only that I was down in London. Nor can I recall what the deal was (it wasn't sport or media related).

Exciting times.

UTC

The real question is who is picking up the tab for those 20 fee earners

Chester Perry wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:15 pm

The real question is who is picking up the tab for those 20 fee earners

I would presume that one way or another it'll be BFC.

Leisure wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:18 pm

I would presume that one way or another it'll be BFC.

there is going to be an awful lot to look out for in those June 30 2021 accounts sometime in April 2022

Leisure wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:18 pm

I would presume that one way or another it'll be BFC.

No wonder we started the season with extremely poor options at centre back and right midfield. We seem to be pulling our way out of trouble, but if we don't the reason will be because of the above.

summitclaret wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:29 pm

No wonder we started the season with extremely poor options at centre back and right midfield. We seem to be pulling our way out of trouble, but if we don't the reason will be because of the above.

Please explain?

On the other thread, our new Chairman is quoted as saying that they nearly pulled out on occasions. 1 point after 6 games must have been a massive concern. The reason we had only 1 point was because we had no central defence to speak of and no proper attacking option on the right side.

I will never understand why MG took such a risk.

Chester Perry wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:15 pm

The real question is who is picking up the tab for those 20 fee earners

Might be what the loan was for

Local cricketer wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:45 pm

Might be what the loan was for

now that would just be a ridiculous business decision

Paul Waine wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 6:30 pm

So, we learn a little more from Pinsent's statement.

"New experienced investors into football.... sets a benchmark.... demonstrating the significant value and interest that European football continues to create globally."

Also, "one of the most significant corporate projects within sport this year." And, "first major acquisition of a Premier League side by external investors in almost five years..."

I worked with Pinsent's Leeds office several years ago. So far back that I can't remember who I was working for at the time, only that I was down in London. Nor can I recall what the deal was (it wasn't sport or media related).

Exciting times.

UTC

Are you sure it was London?

summitclaret wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:42 pm

On the other thread, our new Chairman is quoted as saying that they nearly pulled out on occasions. 1 point after 6 games must have been a massive concern. The reason we had only 1 point was because we had no central defence to speak of and no proper attacking option on the right side.

I will never understand why MG took such a risk.

Greed?

Paul Waine wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 6:30 pm

So, we learn a little more from Pinsent's statement.

"New experienced investors into football.... sets a benchmark.... demonstrating the significant value and interest that European football continues to create globally."

Also, "one of the most significant corporate projects within sport this year." And, "first major acquisition of a Premier League side by external investors in almost five years..."

I worked with Pinsent's Leeds office several years ago. So far back that I can't remember who I was working for at the time, only that I was down in London. Nor can I recall what the deal was (it wasn't sport or media related).

Exciting times.

UTC

I came up against Pinsents when I was doing a warehousing contract in Doncaster a couple of decades ago. Tractor parts I recall, New Holland comes vaguely to mind. They were pretty straight for lawyers. Not very exiting times.

If ALK appointed them, ALK will have paid them. That's how it works.

There's an ex pro footballer amongst those fee earners...

Are we honestly going to question every single penny of expenditure under the new owners?

Chester, if they fix the hot water in JHU bogs are you going to ask to see the three quotes obtained to make sure the one chosen was most competitive.

IanMcL wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 05, 2021 10:14 pm

Are you sure it was London?

Been down here so long I'm sure it was London.