DLA Piper has advised Liberty Global plc and Discovery Communications, Inc. on their minority investments in Formula E, the all-electric single seater car racing series.

The investments by the two global media companies represent an important step in the long-term development of the Formula E series and confirm its potential on the motorsport scene.

The DLA Piper team was led by partner Jon Kenworthy and senior associate David Beech. Partner Nick Fitzpatrick and legal director Patrick Mitchell advised on the sport and media aspects of the deal and competition partner Alexandra Kamerling gave regulatory advice.

Jon Kenworthy commented: "We are delighted to have assisted Discovery and Liberty on their investments in this motor racing newcomer. This transaction involved a multi-disciplinary UK based team with significant experience of advising media companies on acquisitions such as this."

Bob Bishop, Global Co-chair of Corporate at DLA Piper and relationship partner for Discovery Communications and Liberty Global, added: "Discovery is a long-standing and significant client of the firm, having advised on their recent acquisitions of the SBS Nordic TV and Radio business, a controlling interest in pan-European sports broadcaster Eurosport and independent UK production company All3Media (in joint venture with Liberty). We were thrilled to have been asked to represent both Discovery and Liberty on this deal."