Leeds United teamed up with Walker Morris to complete Andrea Radrizzani takeover

On Tuesday (May 23rd 2017) it was confirmed that Massimo Cellino sold his remaining 50% stake in Leeds United to fellow Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani, who now has 100% control of the club.

To complete the transaction, specialist sports lawyers at Leeds-based Walker Morris advised Eleonora Sport Limited on the sale of the remaining shares in Leeds to Greenfield Investment Pte Ltd, which is owned by Radrizzani.

This marks the third football acquisition/sale that the Walker Morris Sports Team have completed within a week.

The Sports Team originally advised on the sale of the initial 50% of the club in December last year from Eleonora Sport to Greenfield Investment. Eleonora Sport, which is run by the Cellino family, retained a 50% stake during the deal.

After acquiring the remaining 50% from Massimo Cellino, Radrizzani has taken full control of the club and become Chairman.

The Sports Team at Walker Morris has also advised on two further deals in the last seven days including: advising Renhe Sports Management Co Limited on its acquisition of 75% of Reading Football Club and advising NF Football Investments Limited on its acquisition of Nottingham Forest Football Club.

The Walker Morris Team was led by David Hinchliffe and comprised Christian Slinger and Paul Godsmark.

David Hinchliffe, head of sport at Walker Morris, commented: “We are delighted to have advised Eleonora Sports on this latest deal for Massimo Cellino and everyone involved with Leeds United.

“This latest deal marks the latest in a number of sales and acquisitions of football clubs over the last week and continues to reinforce our specialist expertise in managing complex football club sales and acquisitions.”

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