Norton Rose Fulbright advises 777 Partners on investment in Australian football team Melbourne Victory

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised US private investment firm 777 Partners on its strategic partnership and investment in Australian A-League team Melbourne Victory.

777 Partners is a Miami-based private investment firm that owns stakes in La Liga club Sevilla, Serie B club Genoa, Paris club Red Star FC and Brazilian club Vasco da Gama. Melbourne Victory announced the deal with 777 Partners on October 5, describing it as “one of the biggest investment deals into a single sports team in Australian history”, which will allow it to grow and develop the club and the sport in Australia.

The Norton Rose Fulbright team advised on all aspects of the strategic partnership and investment, which will involve a subscription for new equity and longer term convertible note funding.

Norton Rose Fulbright national corporate M&A team leader Bryan Pointon commented:

“We are pleased to support our global client, 777 Partners, on one of the most significant private equity football investments in Australia. Stephen Rigby in London has advised 777 Partners on several of their sports investments and we have been delighted to represent 777 Partners on this landmark deal for Australian football. Together with its investment in Bonza, this represents a significant further investment by 777 Partners in Australia.”

Bryan and partner David Jewkes led the team, supported by senior associate Mauricio Da Rocha, senior associate Oliver Kabongo and lawyer Ashley Xu.