The corporate team from independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised Play Sports Group, the digital sports media company behind market-leading cycling brands Global Cycling Network (GCN) and Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN), in securing investment from Discovery Communications the global media and entertainment group that acquired Eurosport in 2015.
Discovery Communications has acquired a 20% stake in Play Sports Group as part of an investment round that will strengthen the level of quality and widens the choice for cycling fans viewing over the Play Sports Group's already well-established media profiles of YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat which reached more than 20 million fans in January 2017 alone.
This growth will enable Play Sports Group, which is headquartered in Bath UK, to hire up to 150 people and open up new media channels in cycling and other sports.
The Burges Salmon team was led by corporate partner Richard Spink and senior associate Tim Roberts. Richard said:
"This investment will see Play Sports Group become the go-to media channel for cycling in what is a hugely dynamic sector. We’ve worked with Play Sports Group since its formation and are delighted to have been able to support it in what is a hugely significant milestone in its growth."
Simon Wear, Founder and CEO of Play Sports Group said:
"Burges Salmon has been our legal advisor since I started my company. As a firm they have helped us on our journey in so many ways, in many different areas of business, facilitating good decision making. Most recently they have been nothing short of excellent in helping us complete this very important transaction."