CMS advises Matchroom Sport on investment by Bruin Capital to accelerate global expansion
CMS has advised Matchroom Sport and the Hearn family on a minority investment by US sports investment firm Bruin Capital, forming a strategic alliance to accelerate Matchroom's global expansion.
Founded in 1982, Matchroom has grown into one of the largest independent sports promotion and rights businesses in the world, operating across darts, boxing, snooker, and other sports, with events distributed globally through broadcast and streaming partnerships. Matchroom’s portfolio includes the Professional Darts Corporation, Matchroom Boxing, the World Snooker Tour, Matchroom Multi-Sport, and Matchroom Media and it represents some of the biggest names in boxing, including Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor.
The partnership will support Matchroom's next phase of growth, with a particular focus on the United States and expanding its capabilities across digital distribution, data, and direct-to-consumer engagement as the sports media landscape continues to evolve.
Commenting on the transaction, Paul Guite, Corporate Partner and Co-Head of the Media practice at CMS, said: "We are delighted to have advised Matchroom Sport and the Hearn family on this landmark transaction. The deal reflects the global appeal of Matchroom's premium sports portfolio and it has been a pleasure working with the Matchroom team to deliver this successful outcome."
Shaun Palmer, Global General Counsel of Matchroom, adds: "This is an exciting development for Matchroom as we partner with Bruin Capital to take the business to the next level globally. Paul, Ben and the wider CMS team provided outstanding support throughout the transaction, guiding us expertly and efficiently through a complex process, and we are grateful for their dedication and professionalism."
The CMS team was led by Paul Guite and Ben McParland, and included Lauren Wood, Nana Donkor, Alexandra Stuart, Ard Babatinca, Hareni Ayadurai, and Opeyemi Lawal (Corporate); Stephen Hignett and Alexander Oldland (Tax); Andrew Quayle (Share Incentives); and Russell Hoare and Ruth Derruau (Competition).
