Blackpool Football Club

Hilco Appraisal t/a Hilco Global was instructed by Paul Cooper and David Rubin of David Rubin & Partners, the Joint Receivers of Blackpool Football Club Limited, to assist in the sale and marketing of the Club and its related football assets.

Blackpool FC was founded in 1887 in the seaside resort of Blackpool, Lancashire, and is one of England’s longest-standing professional association football clubs. The Club currently plays in the EFL League One, having previously competed in the Premier League at the highest level of English football.

The Club generates revenue from a number of channels, including sponsorship and commercial fees, gate receipts, tournament prize money and license income from televised games.

Blackpool FC’s home games are played at the Club’s Bloomfield Road Stadium, constructed in 1899 and extensively renovated since, which is located between Blackpool’s famous North and South piers, and is a five minute drive away from the town centre. The Club’s home games have been historically well-attended by the Club’s loyal following, known as ‘The Seasiders’ and the ‘Tangerine Army’ within the English game.

We assisted the Joint Receivers in managing the due diligence process and conducting a comprehensive sales and marketing exercise. We reached out to possible buyers with a marketing teaser and listed the sale opportunity on our website. We populated and managed a data room, providing potential buyers with access and fulfilling their due diligence requirements as when required.

A number of offers were received for the Club and after a highly competitive bidding process the Joint Receivers identified Simon Sadler as the winning bidder.

Fan response has been positive upon learning of the news of Sadler’s acquisition with many taking to social media sites such as Twitter to share their enthusiasm at his appointment and their rejuvenated optimism towards the Club and its future.

“I was impressed by Hilco’s professionalism and proactive approach throughout the due diligence. I am delighted to have acquired Blackpool Football Club and look forward to building a long and successful future as the Club’s custodian.” – Simon Sadler, Owner of Blackpool Football Club

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