RSM advises on acquisition of Oldham Athletic Football Club

‘Leading’ audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has advised the Rothwell Family and Darren Royle on the acquisition of Oldham Athletic Football Club from Abdallah Lemsagem, to support the club’s long-term growth plans and promotion ambitions.

Established in 1895, Oldham Athletic Football Club was one of the founder members of the Premier League in 1992, with the club competing in the Premiership, Championship and League One divisions over the last two decades. The acquisition follows the club’s relegation from League Two at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Both the Rothwell Family and Darren Royle have close associations with the club, with the former being the owners of the long-standing local businesses Manchester Cabins Ltd and Bunkabin Ltd, specialising in the manufacture and hire of sleeper cabins, and Darren being well respected in the football industry and the son of former Oldham manager Joe Royle.

The new owners will provide long-term certainty, which will help manager John Sheridan continue to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season. As part of the deal, the sale of season tickets, sponsorship and commercial activity has been halted and will resume following the takeover.

The RSM deal team was led by corporate finance partner Philip Parkes and tax partner James Hunt, with support from Marion Brewer and Jean Lowe.

Philip Parkes, corporate finance partner at RSM UK, said: ’The transaction will enable Oldham Athletic Football Club to launch its national league campaign with certainty, under new ownership.

“As long-standing local businesspeople, the new owners are aligned with the club in its approach to culture and community, and will strengthen the club’s financial position ahead of the new season.”

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