Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Melbourne Storm on the sale of a majority stake in the National Rugby League club to global private equity and investment firm EQT.
The investment follows a competitive process and represents the first significant investment by an international private equity firm in an NRL club.
The Storm’s existing ownership group will retain a minority shareholding, with Chairman Matt Tripp remaining the club’s second-largest shareholder. The transaction is subject to approval by the Australian Rugby League Commission.
ABL’s transaction team was led by Corporate and M&A partners Luke Jedynak and Christine Fleer, with support from Noah Lipshut (Senior Associate) and Fiachra Cullen (Lawyer).
Luke Jedynak commented: “We are proud to have advised Melbourne Storm on this landmark transaction. The investment by EQT brings together one of Australia’s most successful sporting organisations with a global investment partner that shares the club’s ambition for continued growth and success. Congratulations to Matt Tripp, the ownership group and the entire Melbourne Storm team on this significant milestone.”
EQT’s investment will support Melbourne Storm’s next phase of growth, including strengthening its football program and player pathways, enhancing the match day experience for members and supporters, and pursuing new commercial sponsorships and global partnerships.
Chairman Matt Tripp commented: “The fact that they’ve chosen the Storm, I think is a real credit to our team and our people. Everyone’s really excited about what lies ahead. We have been growing at a considerable rate over the last sort of five years. Whilst we feel like we’ve got a good handle on the game of rugby league, we want to open our eyes to what these guys can hopefully bring us on the global stage.”
The transaction builds on Arnold Bloch Leibler’s longstanding relationship with Melbourne Storm and Matt Tripp.
