Stephenson Harwood LLP has advised Olympique Lyonnais Groupe (OL Groupe) on the refinancing of the majority of its debt and that of its subsidiary Olympique Lyonnais SASU for a total amount of €385 million. The transaction is the first securitisation for a French football club, a sophisticated and innovative financing structure in the high level professional sports industry.
The refinancing allows Olympique Lyonnais Groupe and Olympique Lyonnais SASU to repay an outstanding long-term stadium debt, its Revolving Credit Facility line and PGE loans contracted during the COVID period. Other long-term subordinated debt will be also repaid.
Paris-based partner Florent Rigaud and associate Hugo Le Ridou advised Olympique Lyonnais Groupe.
