Supporters of Oldham Athletic delivered a party atmosphere at the club’s home ground on Saturday in celebration of Boundary Park and the surrounding land coming back under single ownership.
Karen Procter, partner in Knights’ Corporate team, worked alongside the club’s owners to bring Oldham Athletic’s home into their ownership – delivering “a level of dedication we have never experienced before”.
Owners Frank Rothwell, Luke Rothwell and Su Schofield worked with Karen to acquire a 96.89% stake in the club a few months ago, including a commitment to purchase the company that owned the stadium.
That process has now completed, concluding a lengthy legal and financial due diligence process.
The news was met with celebration from the club’s supporters and reflected in the mood among almost 7,000 supporters that filled Boundary Park for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Solihull Moors.
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 advisors. 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.”
Karen Procter, Corporate Partner at Knights, said:
“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.”
Karen led a team of Knights colleagues that included Rachel McIlroy advising on real estate and Jonathan Edwards, who advised on funding.
Their work was complemented by support from RSM UK’s Corporate Finance team.