Premiership Rugby hails ‘new era’ as it strikes deal with private equity firm

Premiership Rugby has hailed a “new era” after a deal was struck with private equity firm CVC Capital Partners to invest more than £200m.

The investment by CVC Capital Partners is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2019 and represents the latest commitment by the firm to the sports, media and entertainment sector.
CVC has previously led investments in Moto GP, Formula One, Stage Entertainment and Merlin Entertainments.

It is understood that CVC has bought a shareholding of around 27%, after member clubs had previously rejected an offer to buy 51%.

“Around 18 months ago the board endorsed a strategy to take club rugby to a new level,” said Premiership Rugby’s chief executive Mark McCafferty, who confirmed the investment deal was agreed unanimously by the clubs.

“Since Premiership Rugby was formed in 1997, our owners have invested more than £400m to build up the clubs and the competition which today sees the Gallagher Premiership broadcast in over 200 countries around the world. It was the perfect time for us to identify the right partner to help accelerate our next phase of growth.”

McCafferty said the deal would further develop the global appeal and following for the Gallagher Premiership and that investment in the product and fan experience was one of the “main priorities” for the partnership.

Premiership Rugby has seen rapid growth over the last decade with commercial income rising by more than 80% in the past five years.

Ian Ritchie, chairman of Premiership Rugby, added: “We have agreed that the proceeds from CVC Fund VII’s investment will be re-invested to drive continued growth in the sport, for the benefit of the fans, clubs and players. The structure of the deal ensures that there is strong alignment of interest between CVC and the Premiership Rugby clubs. CVC support our vision of growing the sport and we are looking forward to working closely with them to take Premiership Rugby to the next level.”