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CVC Capital Partners Invest £365 Million Into Six Nations Share

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Adeal has been signed between private equity giant CVC Capital Partners and Six Nations Rugby for a 14.3% share into the European competition, in a “long-term strategic partnership”.

The agreement, worth £365 million (AUD$666 million), will see CVC paying the six parties involved (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales) in five annual instalments, while the nations still will hold an 85.7% share.

Six Nations Rugby chief executive, Ben Morel, said the partnership is a look into the future for all sporting organisations.

“The Six Nations Championship is steeped in rugby tradition, stretching back to 1883, and together with the women’s, under-20s, and Autumn international series, is synonymous with all the excitement, colour, and passion rugby has to offer,” Morel said.

“This external investment is an important validation of what Six Nations Rugby has achieved to date and is a key next step as we invest to grow the game on the world stage.

“When we started this journey, our aim was to ensure we found the right strategic partner, who can add real value and is committed to a long-term relationship.

“CVC recognises the exciting potential in the Six Nations Championships and Autumn International series, and they are aligned with our vision for the future,” he said.

Private equity ownership has been a major talking point globally in the sport, with US firm Silver Lake offering a 15% share in New Zealand Rugby, whilst Rugby Australia have recently voted in favour of a private equity pathway.

CVC first showed interest in the Six Nations back in early 2019, and first acquired a 27% share of the English professional competition, Premiership Rugby, paying £200 million (AUD$359 million) for its share in the entity.

In the newly announced deal, all six nations will retain sole responsibility for sporting matters, and own majority control of commercial decisions.

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