Leeds law firm supports sale of Premier League football club to US investors

A law firm based in West Yorkshire has advised sellers of one of the North’s Premier League football teams on its sale.

Walker Morris, which is headquartered in Leeds, supported the sale of local football club Burnley FC to US investors for an undisclosed sum.

The Premier League club has been acquired by a group led by US private equity firm, ALK Capital, with secured funding provided from MSD UK Holdings Limited.

The deal involves the sale of 83.97 per cent of Burnley FC Holdings Limited – the parent company of Burnley Football & Athletic Company Limited, the entity which holds the share in the Premier League.

Commenting on the deal, Michael Garlick, chairman of Burnley FC, said: “I am delighted to get this deal over the line, especially in light of the difficult circumstances everyone is dealing with at the moment.

“I will continue to be involved in the Club in the short-term and I am looking forward to playing my part in the next chapter of Burnley Football Club as we seek to strengthen our position in the Premier League. Here is to a successful 2021!”

Walker Morris advised Burnley Chairman Michael Garlick as lead sell-side advisors on the deal, which involved 13 sellers in total.

David Hinchliffe, head of sports law at Walker Morris, added: “We are proud of having built a strong relationship with Burnley FC in recent years. It is a great pleasure to work alongside such a fantastic club with such strong heritage and deep links with the community.

“Opportunities to be involved in Premier League M&A transactions do not come around too often, so it has been excellent to play a key role in this deal.

“The acquisition will provide a solid platform for the club to move forwards and provide a successful exit for the current majority ownership group. It is a great outcome for everyone involved with the club including the fans and the local community.”