The deal is 'one of the biggest investment deals into a single sports team in Australian history'
Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) has helped Miami-based private investment firm 777 Partners complete a strategic investment in Australian professional soccer club Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory announced the deal on October 5, describing it as “one of the biggest investment deals into a single sports team in Australian history”. Melbourne Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro confirmed that the investment will strengthen the club’s capital base, allow it to boost its growth trajectory and ensure its longevity in Australia and football, while retaining its brand, fabric and history.
“Our vision is to lead, unite, connect and inspire Australians, and we believe, now more than ever, that with the resources and strategic support that 777 Partners has to offer we will achieve just that,” Di Pietro said. “With Don Dransfield, CEO of 777 Football Group, joining the board of Melbourne Victory, the club will have direct access to world-class data and analytics professionals, advanced player development techniques and global commercial opportunities.”
Partner and corporate team leader Bryan Pointon and partner David Jewkes led the NRF team in advising on all aspects of the investment, which will involve a subscription for new equity and longer-term convertible note funding. They were supported by senior associates Mauricio Da Rocha and Oliver Kabongo and lawyer Ashley Xu.
“We are pleased to support our global client, 777 Partners, on one of the most significant private equity football investments in Australia,” Pointon said. “Stephen Rigby in London has advised 777 Partners on several of their sports investments and we have been delighted to represent 777 Partners on this landmark deal for Australian football.”
