Rugby: CVC Capital Partners fund finalizes acquisition of 28% of the shares of Guinness Pro14

The Luxembourg-based investment fund CVC Capital Partners has acquired 28% of the Guinness Pro14 from Celtic Rugby DAC, indicated the company in charge of the competition on 22/05/2020. Celtic Rugby DAC, owned by the Irish, Scottish and Welsh Rugby Federations,  with the latter retaining 72% of the shares and welcoming the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) as a member who will receive a share of the investment.

"Martin Anayi, CEO, will continue to lead the management team at PRO14 Rugby, working closely with CVC and the unions on execution of the commercial plan. The unions will also remain independently responsible for the sporting and regulatory elements of the league, via the Sporting & Regulatory Committee," said the body, in which the draft of this deal had been notified to the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on 12/11/2019.

CVC plans to acquire a 27% stake for £120m (€140m), with each owner federation receiving £35m (€40.7m), while the participating South African and Italian teams should also benefit from the investment, according to the BBC. Once the…