Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (‘Freshfields’) is advising CVC Fund VII (‘CVC’), part of one of the world’s leading private equity and investment advisory firms, on its long-term strategic investment in Six Nations Rugby, the official organising body of the Six Nations Championship and Autumn Internationals.
Over a period of five years, CVC will invest up to £365 million in exchange for a 1/7th share in Six Nations Rugby, working alongside the rugby unions of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales (the ‘Unions’), which will together retain a 6/7th share.
CVC will bring to the partnership its significant experience in sports, as well as its global network, working alongside the Unions and the Six Nations management team. The partnership will help to deliver on Six Nations Rugby’s ambitious growth plans, developing these competitions for the benefit of existing fans, and to attract a new more diverse and global fan base, which will support the wider rugby community.
The partnership builds on CVC’s recent investments in PRO14 and PRL and follows on from previous sporting investments in Formula One, Moto GP and, more recently, Volleyball World.
The Freshfields team is being led by partners Charlie Hayes, David Brooks, Jill Gatehouse, Simon Priddis, Vincent Bergin, Rhodri Thomas, Chris Mort and Alex Mitchell, and counsel Marie-Claire Strawbridge.
