The All Blacks, “For Sale”: The New Zealand Confederation is looking for private investors

Thea The New Zealand Rugby Federation is in talks with private equity investors To mitigate the losses to the coronavirus pandemic. The “All Blacks” trademark may be put up for sale.

And cause competitions stopped since March Union coffers reduced their cash reserves by 47%. Mark Robinson, New Zealand’s rugby chief executive, told the New Zealand Herald that they have already spent A $ 86 million (€ 52 million).

The federation had estimated revenue of 100 million for 2020 when the coronavirus halted the entire sport. “We are open to looking for partners who can invest in New Zealand rugby. Private equity will provide some of the flexibility the game needs to remain sustainable and Overcoming the kind of impacts that we saw this year, if repeated in the futureRobinson told NZ Herald. A few months ago it became known that the consortium might hold talks with US investment firm Silver Lake.

The Private investment in rugby has so far been capitalized by CVC Capital Partners, Which owns 27% of the Premier League and 28% of Pro14 in Europe. Additionally, it placed a bid of $ 548 million to 14 percent of the six countries.

The All Blacks owns the most valuable rugby brand, According to the British consultancy Brand Finance, which estimates it at 159 million euros. The current sponsorship of their shirts, in place with AIG since 2012, ends next year.