Stevens & Bolton has advised US private equity firm Bright Path Sports Partners on its high-profile investment in Championship football club, Ipswich Town.
The investment was a strategic step towards Ipswich’s successful return to the Premier League for the first time since 2002.
Bright Path is the first ever private equity and advisory firm exclusively dedicated to raising and deploying Native American capital into professional sports franchises, facilities and ancillary opportunities. Its investment is comprised of several limited partners, of which Sam Simon, renowned businessman and Founder of Simon Group Holdings and Simon Sports, is the primary funder. Simon Sports is based in the US and its portfolio includes hockey and golf investments such as Halifax Mooseheads (Canadian Hockey League).
The Stevens & Bolton team advised Bright Path on the English law aspects of the investment, including the regulatory requirements of the English Football League.
Phillip Ciano, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Bright Path Sports Partners, commented: “The Stevens & Bolton team are an absolute pleasure to work with and are true professionals. We are looking forward to supporting Ipswich CEO, Mark Ashton and his superb management team, and add value wherever we can.”
Oscar Horwich, Corporate Partner, added: “We were delighted to work with the Bright Path Sports Partners team on this exciting and high-profile deal and enjoyed a successful collaboration with their US counsel, Steven Bersticker, at KJK (Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP). They formed a very high-calibre team that it was a privilege to be a part of, and we look forward to following Ipswich Town’s success.”
The Stevens & Bolton team was led by Oscar Horwich (corporate), supported by Charles Maurice (sport and commercial), Kate Schmit (tax and incentives) and Francesca Messina (corporate).
Oscar Horwich
Charles Maurice