Cooper Parry’s Debt Advisory team (formerly Fellwood Advisory) has advised Palatine Private Equity on its investment in Centrefield LLP, marking Palatine’s first investment in the legal services sector and supporting the next stage of growth for the specialist sports and media law firm.
Backing a market-leading specialist
Founded in 2015, Centrefield LLP has built a market-leading reputation advising sporting organisations, clubs, athletes, agencies and sports businesses across the UK and internationally. Its client roster includes most Premier League clubs, EFL clubs, Major League Soccer in the US and a wide range of organisations across the global sports industry.
The Manchester-based firm has tripled in size since launch and continues to deliver strong growth, underpinned by deep sector expertise and long-standing client relationships. Today, the business advises across a broad range of legal specialisms spanning corporate, commercial, regulatory, governance, employment, immigration and dispute resolution matters.
Supporting the next phase of growth
Palatine’s investment will support Centrefield’s domestic and international expansion ambitions through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, with a particular focus on the US and key European markets.
The transaction represents Palatine’s first investment within the legal services sector and reflects the firm’s confidence in Centrefield’s specialist positioning, ambitious management team and long-term growth potential.
Advising Palatine on a landmark investment
Cooper Parry Debt Advisory, led by Stephen Gater and Amit Bagga, was appointed as exclusive debt advisor to Palatine Private Equity to support the financing of the acquisition. The team ran a highly competitive debt process, securing a flexible, scalable funding solution from HSBC. The financing provides funding for the initial acquisition alongside clear headroom for Centrefield’s long-term organic growth and future M&A ambitions.
Stephen Gater, Director at CP Deals, commented:
“We were pleased to support Palatine in raising debt financing for its investment in Centrefield. The transaction brings together a business with deep expertise in sports law and longstanding relationships with leading clubs, sporting organisations and agencies, and an experienced investment partner in Palatine, providing a solid foundation for Centrefield’s next phase of growth”
Tom Wildig, Partner at Palatine Private Equity, commented:
“Our investment in Centrefield will support the next phase of growth for a leading specialist sports law firm. Fellwood provided commercially focused advice throughout the financing process, combining a strong understanding of our investment objectives with deep knowledge of the lending market. Their proactive, collaborative approach helped secure a funding package that supports the investment and provides flexibility for Centrefield’s future growth ambitions.”
