DLA Piper was involved in a significant sports deal in Australia, advising English Premier League football club Manchester City on its recent acquisition of A-League football club Melbourne Heart.

The 80 percent acquisition completed last Friday, with the owners of the NRL's Melbourne Storm taking the remaining 20 percent minority share.

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano said in a statement that the Premier League club was excited by the opportunity to invest in the A-League: "We believe the strong sports culture of Melbourne combined with the football and commercial expertise within our consortium will make for a powerful combination both on and off the pitch."

DLA Piper corporate partner Mark Burger and senior associate Joshua Heard advised Manchester City on the deal, working closely with the City Board and Executive Leadership.

Mark commented: "We are delighted to have been involved in such a strategic acquisition for a long-term DLA Piper client, Manchester City, and one that has brought such excitement to the A-League national football competition."

DLA Piper previously advised Manchester City on other deals in the US and UK.