CVC acquires 28% stake in Guinness Pro14

In November 2019, the stake was reported to be worth approximately £120m, according to Wales Online.

CVC Capital Partners Fund VII will make the investment. The fund closed on €15.5bn in June 2017.

The Irish, Italian, Welsh and South African rugby unions will retain the remaining 72% majority share. As part of this agreement, the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR), will also become a member of Celtic Rugby DAC, and receive a share of the investment.

A part of the investment will be used by Guinness Pro14 to grow its capabilities and upgrade operations, while the respective rugby unions will invest the proceeds in the sport, at professional and amateur levels.

Martin Anayi, CEO, will continue to lead the management team, working closely with CVC and the unions on execution of the commercial plan.

The unions will also remain independently responsible for the sporting and regulatory elements of the league.

CVC has shown interest in various rugby tournaments over the past two years. In December 2018, CVC acquired a 27% shareholding in the Gallagher Premiership's commercial arm Premiership Rugby for £220m. In April 2020, CVC delayed its £300m investment in rugby tournament Six Nations.

Company
Based in Dublin, the Guinness Pro14 was founded in 1999 when the Welsh and Scottish unions created a competition for their teams. It added four Irish provinces in 2001 to become the Celtic League.

People
Guinness Pro14 – Martin Anayi (CEO).

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