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A&O Shearman advises Rangers Football Club on majority acquisition

A&O Shearman advises Rangers Football Club on majority acquisition
Published Date
May 30 2025
A&O Shearman is proud to announce its role as lead legal adviser to Rangers International Football Club plc on its transformational majority acquisition by a consortium of investors led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group. The consortium has acquired a majority 51% stake in Rangers, marking a new era for one of the world’s most storied football clubs.

The transaction, which includes a primary capital investment into Rangers by the consortium and certain existing shareholders, will drive the club’s strategic vision of elevating on-pitch performance and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The investment, which is subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting in June, is expected to be deployed to support the club’s core strategic priority of strengthening its first-team squad.

Andrew Cavenagh, a seasoned business leader and healthcare executive, will serve as chairman, working closely with Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises, who joins as vice chairman. The club’s CEO, Patrick Stewart, will remain on the board along with existing chairman, Fraser Thornton, and existing non-executives John Halsted and George Taylor, and will be joined by new directors Mark Taber, Andrew Clayton, and Gene Schneur.

“We are very proud to have supported Rangers on this landmark transaction, which brings together the club’s exceptional management team with investors who bring not only capital but also deep expertise in strategy, infrastructure development and sporting excellence, setting the stage for an exciting new era for the club. It has been a privilege to support Rangers’ leadership and shareholders to help secure a bright future for a club with a rich and celebrated footballing heritage.”

Image of Matthew Hamilton-Foyn

Matthew Hamilton-Foyn

Partner

This transaction underscores A&O Shearman’s position as a global leader in sports M&A, following recent high-profile mandates in Formula 1, the English Premier League, the PGA Tour, and other major international sporting investments.

A&O Shearman’s multidisciplinary team provided comprehensive legal support throughout the process, including advice on M&A, corporate, regulatory, tax and commercial contracts. The team was led by M&A partners Matt Hamilton-Foyn and Andrew Schoorlemmer, with support from associate Joshua Cohen, senior associate Sam Brooks, associate Daniel Senior, and trainees Hannah Gaffney and Emily Harrison. Specialist advice was provided by partners Jim Ford and Tim Harrop, alongside senior associate Magnus Yadi, and associate Nicholas Phillips.

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