Spezia Calcio Acquired by FC32
Deal News | Feb 10, 2025 | Legal Community Italy
In a significant move within the international football club investment landscape, FC32, a US-based holding group led by Australian manager Paul Francis, has acquired the entire share capital of Spezia Calcio from Westchester South Investments LLC, a company controlled by the Platek family. FC32, which also owns football clubs in Ireland and Austria, aims to enhance its multi-club strategy through this acquisition, thereby expanding its international footprint and nurturing football talent across borders. The acquisition process saw Withers act as legal advisors for FC32, with a team led by Partners Luca Ferrari and Stefano Cignozzi. The due diligence covered legal and sports aspects, involving IP and various associates. Westchester South Investments was represented by Squire Patton Boggs, with a team led by Partner Sara Belotti.
Sectors
- Sports Investment
- Legal Services
Geography
- Italy – Spezia Calcio, the target football club in the transaction, is based in Italy.
- United States – FC32, the acquiring entity, is described as a US-based holding company.
Industry
- Sports Investment – This article is primarily involved in the sports investment industry as it discusses the acquisition of a football club by a holding company with interests in multiple football clubs.
- Legal Services – The involvement of legal advisory firms like Withers and Squire Patton Boggs indicates the relevance of the legal services industry in this M&A transaction.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spezia Calcio | Target Company | Company | Italian football club being acquired in the transaction. |
| FC32 | Bidding Company | Company | US-based sports investment holding company acquiring Spezia Calcio. |
| Westchester South Investments LLC | Selling Company | Company | Holding company controlled by the Platek family, selling Spezia Calcio to FC32. |
| Withers | Legal Advisor for FC32 | Company | Advised FC32 on the legal aspects of the acquisition. |
| Squire Patton Boggs | Legal Advisor for Westchester South Investments | Company | Advised the selling party, Westchester South Investments LLC, in the transaction. |