De Pardieu is advising Merlyn Partners, the investment fund that owns LOSC (Lille Olympique Sporting Club), on the proposed acquisition from the Eiffage group of the entire share capital of the companies operating the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy and its ancillary real estate assets.
LOSC, which has been the stadium’s home club since its inauguration, has entered into exclusive negotiations with the Eiffage Group to take over the operation of one of Europe’s largest sports and events venues.
The proposed acquisition covers all activities related to the operation and maintenance of the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy, as well as the management of its ancillary real estate assets, including hotels, restaurants and car parks.
In connection with this transaction, De Pardieu is also advising on matters relating to the public-private partnership entered into with Métropole Européenne de Lille, the amendments to the construction lease covering the ancillary facilities as well as the various real estate, tax and financing issues arising from the transaction.
The transaction will give LOSC greater control over the operation of the stadium and its surrounding real estate assets.
The transaction remains subject to the information and consultation process with the relevant employee representative bodies, the receipt of the required approvals and the satisfaction of applicable contractual and statutory conditions. Completion is expected in the first quarter of 2027.