After having signed the share purchase agreement last July and having obtained the KNVB's professional football licensing committee’s approval for the takeover in a record-breaking time, Yanmar has officially completed its acquisition of Almere City FC, as well as the stadium in which Almere City FC plays its home games, from Kroonenberg Groep. Our firm assisted Yanmar throughout this whole process.
Since 1957, Yanmar has owned Cerezo Osaka, one of Japan's oldest professional football clubs, which plays in the J1 League, Japan's highest professional football league. With the takeover of Almere City FC, Yanmar now also owns the youngest professional club in the Netherlands. Kroonenberg will also remain on board as a sponsor of Almere City FC, solidifying the continuation of its long-term relationship.
“A fantastic result for our client and a great example of teamwork across our various practice groups.”
“This transaction once again demonstrates NautaDutilh's strength in advising on strategic M&A deals involving professional football clubs, including regulatory aspects under the KNVB licensing framework.”
In addition to Lieke and Olaf, the core NautaDutilh team bringing this transaction over the finish line consisted of Dirk Panis, Twan Hamers (Corporate M&A), Daan Hagelstein, Simon Houberg (Corporate Notarial), Leon Wijsman, Jade Gieling (Compliance) and David Wumkes, Redmar Warning and Youri Jansen (Real Estate).
