In a landmark move for global cricket, RPSG Ventures Ltd announced the acquisition of a controlling 70% equity stake in Manchester Originals Limited, the professional cricket league franchise representing Lancashire in The Hundred competition. This high-profile transaction—a total consideration of GBP 81,210,000, to be paid over 24 months—was formalized through a Share Purchase Agreement between RPSG Sports Ventures Private Limited (RPSVPL; a subsidiary of RPSG Ventures), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and other involved parties.
Key Developments in the Acquisition
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RPSVPL executed a Share Purchase Agreement with ECB on this date, finalizing the terms of the purchase of the majority stake in Manchester Originals Limited.
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The acquisition was completed immediately, making Manchester Originals Limited a subsidiary of RPSVPL and a step-down subsidiary of RPSG Ventures Ltd.
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The deal also included additional transactional documentation involving ECB, Manchester Originals Limited, Lancashire County Cricket Club Limited (LCCC), and related entities.
Highlights of Manchester Originals
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Operates as one of the top professional franchises in the ECB's The Hundred, with its base in Manchester and regional representation for Lancashire.
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The team's turnover, as per audited financials for the year ending January 2024, stands at GBP 2,044,639.
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Manchester Originals Limited is designated as operating in sports and sports-related activities.
Strategic Significance and Broader Impact
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The acquisition is positioned as a strategic step for RPSG Ventures to solidify and expand its footprint on the global sports stage, with a keen focus on cricket.
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The move is expected to bolster international collaborations and provide new pathways for talent development and brand visibility in key cricket-playing markets worldwide.
Further Details on the Transaction
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Promoter, Promoter Group, or Group Companies associated with RPSG Ventures have stated no prior interest or involvement in Manchester Originals.
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The GBP 81.2 million transaction signifies RPSG’s commitment to long-term investment in international cricket infrastructure, player development, and sports marketing.
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Multiple stakeholders, including the ECB, LCCC, and Manchester Originals, collaborated in the signing of various transaction-related documents, bolstering the legitimacy and operational framework of the acquisition.
Implications for Cricket and the RPSG Group
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RPSG’s majority stake in the Manchester Originals is poised to enhance cross-border synergies in the realm of cricket, offering opportunities for knowledge transfer, brand leverage, and broader fan engagement.
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This move places RPSG Ventures among a select group of Indian business houses making high-profile investments in overseas sports franchises, emphasizing cricket’s role as a globalized commercial enterprise.
What Comes Next?
Industry analysts expect this acquisition to trigger a new era of collaboration between Indian investors and English cricket, potentially enabling joint ventures for talent scouting, youth development, merchandising, and transnational sporting events. Both the ECB and RPSG Ventures have signaled their intent to continue seeking growth through such strategic partnerships.
Today’s announcement underscores the continuing evolution and internationalization of cricket franchise ownership, with Manchester Originals and RPSG Ventures at the forefront of this exciting trend.
Source: RPSG Ventures Ltd Regulatory Filing, July 28, 2025.
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