Shoosmiths advises on Salford Red Devils takeover

The sports team at leading national law firm Shoosmiths has advised on a historic takeover at top flight rugby league club Salford Red Devils by a consortium of supporters.

The deal was led by Manchester-based partner and head of sport Richard Millington, who was assisted by senior associate Anna Kerrane and solicitor Tom Baker.

The transaction saw a not-for-profit holding company, Salford RD Holdings take over the ownership and control of the BetFred Super League club from former owner Marwan Koukash.

The four members of the board of Salford RD Holdings, Andrew Rosler, Asif Latief, Hannah Fendall and Dawn Fidler, are all long-standing supporters of the Red Devils and bring commercial experience and a clear vision to return the club to financial sustainability, building on its historical links to the city and community of Salford.

Andrew Rosler said "We are delighted to have completed this important deal for our club and its passionate and loyal supporters. I was really happy with the efficient, commercial and pragmatic advice provided by Richard and the Shoosmiths team as we got the takeover over the line.

"As a new board we can't wait to get down to business - I am sure we are at the beginning of a really exciting period in the Club's history and we look forward to working in collaboration with the supporters, businesses and the wider community of Salford to bring long overdue success to the Club."

Richard Millington added: "We are proud to have been involved with this interesting and significant deal for Salford Red Devils and we wish Andrew and the other board members every success in the future.

"Our multi-disciplinary team can provide sports clubs on a broad range of matters - from changes in ownership to commercial and broadcast rights deals, Trade Mark infringements to property transactions."