Chadwick Lawrence advises Huddersfield Town AFC on landmark Accu Stadium share acquisition
Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has advised its long-standing client, Huddersfield Town AFC (HTAFC), on the successful acquisition of shares in Kirklees Stadium Development Limited.
This makes the Club the sole shareholder of the company that holds the long-term lease to its home ground, the Accu Stadium.
The acquisition marks a major milestone in the Club’s ongoing development, enhancing its ability to plan and invest in stadium infrastructure, improve fan experience, and support long-term projects.
The transaction was negotiated by Chadwick Lawrence’s corporate and commercial property teams, with Partner Leanne Franks leading on the corporate side and Partner Cheryl Largue on the Commercial Property side.
Leanne Franks, Partner at Chadwick Lawrence, said: “As long-term partners of Huddersfield Town Football Club, we are proud to have supported the Club in securing full ownership of Kirklees Stadium Development Limited.
“This acquisition gives the Club greater control and flexibility over its future, allowing for strategic investments that will benefit supporters and the wider community for years to come.”
Cheryl Largue, Partner at Chadwick Lawrence, added: “It has been a pleasure to provide property expertise to bring this important transaction to completion. Securing full ownership of the stadium company is a significant step for the Club, and we are proud to have played a part in helping to strengthen its foundations for future growth and investment.”
Chadwick Lawrence was named as Huddersfield Town’s official legal partner earlier this year, acting as the Club’s trusted representative on all commercial matters.
The acquisition of shares follows the Club securing a five-year exclusive naming rights deal for its home ground in June – an agreement negotiated by Chadwick Lawrence.
In a joint statement, Huddersfield Town, Kirklees Council and Huddersfield Giants said: “Over the past few years, we have been working together to secure the long-term future of the stadium. We are pleased that partners have now completed the legal processes to transfer ownership to the football club. The deal paves the way for further investment into the stadium and a bright future for sport, entertainment and hospitality in Huddersfield.
“The agreement reflects the ambitions of each of the partners while safeguarding the stadium for future generations in Huddersfield and beyond.”
Huddersfield Town Owner and Chairman, Kevin Nagle, added: “Following extensive discussions, we are delighted to have secured full operational control of our home at the Accu Stadium, securing the long-term future of the team within the heart of the town whilst opening the door for multiple transformational developments to now take place. Thank you to our partners at the Kirklees Council and Huddersfield Giants for their co-operation throughout.
“We understand deeply the significance of the venue as both a sporting and entertainment destination and look forward to our ongoing investment in the stadium providing the town and our local community increased choice and opportunity in both the short and long term. Huddersfield Town has a proud 117-year history within the town, and we are proud to have secured the next 300 years of our future here, too.”
Jake Edwards, CEO at Huddersfield Town, commented: “A landmark agreement and milestone in the history of the Club, we would not have been able to finalise this achievement without the oversight, advice and counsel of the wonderful team at Chadwick Lawrence.
“Fantastic to deal with, experts in their field and long-term partners of Huddersfield Town, we look forward to continuing our long association and thank them again for all of their hard work and diligence to this point.”
To find out more about Chadwick Lawrence, visit: https://www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk/.