Sports team score on investment in SoccerEx
24th September 2018
Specialist sports lawyers from Walker Morris have advised GACP Sports LLC, a division of US private equity firm General American Capital Partners LLC, on its strategic investment in SoccerEx Limited.
London-based SoccerEx is the premier promoter and organiser of football industry conventions, forums and other events worldwide. Since 1995, SoccerEx has attracted over 65,000 delegates from 120 countries to its conventions, forums and events. In the past three years alone, SoccerEx has served as the catalyst for over $1.3 billion worth of business. Media coverage at the most recent SoccerEx Global Convention was valued at $15.0 million generating over 2,000 online articles through 730 media outlets in 80 countries.
As a result of its industry presence, SoccerEx has been able to secure major partners as sponsors, including FIFA, CONCACAF and La Liga as well as leading airlines, sporting goods manufacturers, beverage companies and accounting firms.
Joseph DaGrosa, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of General American Capital Partners LLC, commented:
“SoccerEx is a premier global brand within the football industry and is renowned for the commercial and networking opportunities it brings. Over the years its reputation and dedication to the sector has enabled it to work with prestigious brands and organisations.
“As such we’re delighted with our investment and hope to build on SoccerEx’s successful history to continue to evolve our offering for today’s football markets. We’d also like to give our thanks to Walker Morris for their help on this transaction and a special mention to Christian Slinger who did a fantastic job throughout.”
Head of Sport at Walker Morris, David Hinchliffe, commented:
“This is a great investment for all parties and will help to ensure SoccerEx continues to be the leading global football networking brand. As such, we’re delighted to have advised on the transaction. The deal is testament to our reputation as one of the leading sports law teams in the country and reinforces our experience.”
The Walker Morris fielded a multi-disciplinary team to support General American Capital Partners LLC. Christian Slinger (Sport) led the team and was supported by John Hamer (Corporate), Owen Ormond (Finance), Nicola Parkinson (Tax), Charlotte Smith (Employment), Matthew Lingard (IP) and Andrew Maclean (Property).
This latest deal follows from a string of successful transactions for the Walker Morris team including: advising Fulham FC on its record shirt sponsorship deal; Burnley FC’s new sponsorship with La Ba360; advising three Premier League clubs on sponsorship agreements with eToro; and the acquisitions of Belgian Football Club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Dagenham & Redbridge FC.
