FANCAP and SEG join forces to launch M&A advisory offering for football
FANCAP has launched a new practice that specializes in structuring and closing M&A deals in the world of football.
FANCAP is an advisory and investment management company that supports investors and football clubs with strategic decision-making, the setup of commercial partnerships, financing structures, and governance.
The company is led by Jörg van Nieuwenhuijzen, a former professional goalkeeper from the Netherlands. He made his debut in professional football in 1997 and spent more than ten seasons playing for clubs in the highest (‘Eredivisie’) and the second-highest professional football league (‘Eerste Divisie’).
Building on his experience in football and the 10+ years of experience he subsequently gained in business, Van Nieuwenhuijzen established FANCAP in 2023. The firm operates out of Toronto and Amsterdam.
M&A Advisory practice
Now teaming up with SEG, a leading international sports management agency with a strong track record in football, FANCAP has launched an M&A Advisory practice.
The arm provides a full range of transaction services for the football industry. For investors, the M&A wing supports acquisitions, including deal sourcing, valuation guidance, due diligence and negotiations. For club owners, the practice supports the sales process, from market positioning to the selection of potential buyers.
“Additionally, we assist with financing and restructuring, and offers consultancy in finance, governance, commercial strategy and sporting performance,” said Van Nieuwenhuijzen.
SEG meanwhile brings in its extensive know-how in football-related financial transactions and advisory services. From its offices in Amsterdam, Barcelona, London and Milan, SEG represents over 800 clients and operates with more than 180 agents across 40+ countries.
Other senior members of the M&A practice include John de Jong (a former professional footballer and Technical Director of PSV) and Frans de Weger (a sports law attorney).
Van Nieuwenhuijzen: “By combining FANCAP’s M&A expertise with SEG’s global reach, investors and clubs benefit from a single partner guiding them through the entire process – from first contact to post-deal consultancy. Our team brings a proven track record and deep expertise at the intersection of finance, football and legal matters.”
Commenting on the partnership, SEG General Manager Sander Mijnhijmer said: “Through this partnership, we connect our international football network and financial expertise with FANCAP’s M&A know-how and investor base. This is a valuable reinforcement that enables us to serve our relationships in the football world even better and create meaningful investment opportunities.”
Deals in the football scene
According to data from Deloitte, European football is a bigger business than ever, with clubs in the continent’s five top leagues raking in €20.4 billion in revenue in the 2023/34 season. The sector’s growth and profitability potential has caught the eye of investors, especially American private equity giants.
More than 36 of clubs in Europe’s five biggest leagues now have private equity, venture capital or private debt participation through majority or minority stakes, including a majority of clubs in the Premier League.
“We predict that the next decade in international football will be shaped by smart capital and bold strategic consolidation. Together with SEG, we aim to play a leading role in unlocking opportunities for investors and further professionalising the sector,” concluded Van Nieuwenhuijzen.
