Private Equity Expands Legal and Football Investments Across Europe

Private equity firms are increasingly expanding their influence across various sectors, including legal services and European soccer. Manchester-based Leonard Curtis has sold a majority stake to Pollen Street, enabling a significant expansion of its legal division, aiming to double its annual revenue through recruitment. In the legal sector, industry veterans have launched a consultancy, Taha & Co, to bridge gaps between private equity investors and law firms, responding to challenges in deal valuations and aiming to boost transaction success. Meanwhile, KKR is increasing access for wealthy individuals and family offices to its private equity deals by raising caps in its evergreen funds, reflecting a global trend toward longer-term, flexible investment structures. In European soccer, private equity, venture capital, and private debt participation have grown, with over a third of clubs in the 'Big Five' leagues now having such backing, and leading clubs are increasingly turning to private credit to support their growth strategies. These developments highlight private equity's broadening footprint in both professional services and sports industries.