Oldham Athletic’s owners reunite Boundary Park under single ownership

Bringing the club and its home ground under one ownership structure  

As part of a wider strategy to strengthen the club’s future, owners Frank Rothwell, Luke Rothwell and Su Schofield sought to bring both the club and its stadium under the same ownership structure. 

Having previously advised on the acquisition of a majority stake in the football club, we were well placed to support the owners as they embarked upon the purchase process to acquire the company that owned Boundary Park and the surrounding land. 

Following the acquisition of a 96.89% stake in Oldham Athletic, the club’s owners committed to purchasing the company that owned Boundary Park. The objective was to reunite the football club, stadium and surrounding land under single ownership, providing a stronger foundation for the club’s long-term future. 

Bringing the assets together would create opportunities to improve facilities, support future investment and strengthen the club’s ambitions both on and off the pitch. 

Delivering cross-disciplinary legal support to streamline a complex acquisition

Led by Corporate Partner Karen Procter, the transaction involved a lengthy legal and financial due diligence process, requiring a coordinated approach across disciplines including corporate, real estate, banking and finance to achieve a smooth, successful outcome. 

We worked closely with the club’s owners from initial negotiations to final completion – including: 

• Advising  on the acquisition of the company that owned Boundary Park and the surrounding land.

• Conducting extensive legal due diligence throughout the transaction.

• Managing complex corporate elements of the acquisition process.

• Providing specialist real estate advice relating to the stadium and land ownership
  

• Advising on funding arrangements associated with the purchase.

• Supporting the transaction through tight and evolving deadlines. 

Putting the final piece of the club’s ownership strategy into place

The successful completion of the transaction brought Oldham Athletic, Boundary Park, and the surrounding land back under single ownership. 

The acquisition represented a significant milestone for the club and its supporters, providing a stronger platform for future investment and development opportunities.   

The news was celebrated by supporters, and marked an important step in establishing firm foundations for the club’s future ambitions – including its long-term goal of returning to the Football League. 

Reflections from Oldham Athletic:

In a statement to supporters, the club’s owners said:

“It is with great pride that we have successfully achieved the initial aim of bringing the club and its home, Boundary Park and surrounding land under single ownership. 

With Oldham’s support we will make Oldham Athletic and Boundary Park a place we are all proud of. We are constantly looking at opportunities that would enable us to improve and extend facilities. 

It is important to thank the amazing work of our advisers. Karen Procter, Rachel McIlroy and Jonathan Edwards from Knights who have brought a level of intellect and dedication we have never experienced before. 

Karen worked every day of a family holiday, not something we encourage but we are grateful for. Due diligence of the highest order.” 

Reflections from Knights: 

Reflecting on the transaction, Corporate Partner Karen Procter shared:  

“The outpouring of relief that met Frank, Luke and Su’s takeover of the club a few months ago has created a real momentum around Oldham Athletic – and this is the final piece of the puzzle as they put the foundations in place to take the club back into the Football League.  

“It’s been a pleasure to be part of that process, working alongside the club to meet tight, changing deadlines. I’d like to thank our team for their hard work in helping to make sure those deadlines were always met.”  

Key results, in review:

• Successfully reunited Oldham Athletic, Boundary Park and the surrounding land under single ownership. 

• Supported the owners following their acquisition of a 96.89% stake in the football club. 

• Completed a lengthy legal and financial due diligence process. 

• Provided corporate, real estate and funding advice through a multidisciplinary team. 

• Helped create a stronger foundation for future investment, facility improvements and long-term growth.