Going Global: MLSE Exploring Possible Purchase of EPL Club

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which owns MLS Toronto FC, is "exploring the idea of purchasing a soccer club" in the English Premier League (EPL), according to Rick Westhead of the TORONTO STAR. MLSE President & CEO Richard Peddie confirmed that he and MLSE Exec VP/Business Development & CFO Ian Clarke recently returned from a week-long trip to the U.K., where they "visited six English soccer stadiums, met various team executives and investors, and attended a one-day soccer-industry conference." But Peddie said that it would be "'very, very premature' to say MLSE ... is actively exploring another acquisition." Peddie: "We went over there with our eyes wide open on everything, but I don't know where it will take us." Deloitte Sports Business Group Partner Dan Jones "confirmed MLSE is a client of the firm but declined to elaborate." Peddie said that he visited EPL clubs Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane home and Reading's Madejski Stadium. Clarke visited EPL clubs Chelsea's Stamford Bridge home and Southampton's St. Mary's Stadium. Peddie: "We came away with a lot of ideas on how to maximize revenues." A sports banking exec specializing in European soccer said that EPL clubs Everton, Newcastle United and Tottenham would "probably merit interest from the likes of MLSE." However, Westhead notes there are "potential stumbling blocks to MLSE's considering an overseas acquisition," including the recently faltering global credit markets, which would make it "more difficult and expensive to finance a large purchase." But Inner Circle Sports Founder Rob Tilliss and other investment banking sources said that "it's possible MLSE could initially move to create a marketing partnership with [an EPL] team," as the MLS Rapids did last year with Arsenal (TORONTO STAR, 4/24).

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