DLA Piper has advised the Whelan family in relation to the acquisition of Wigan Athletic Football Club by International Entertainment Corporation. The transaction is subject to approval from the English Football League and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Founded in 1932, Wigan Athletic is a well-established football club with a long history. It has just achieved promotion from the English Football League Division One and will play in the Championship next season. In 1995, Mr. Whelan bought a stake in Wigan Athletic Football Club and, during the next 10 years, oversaw the club’s promotion from the fourth tier of the football league to the Premier League. Wigan Athletic enjoyed eight years in the top flight Premier League, which culminated in it winning the FA Cup in 2013.

International Entertainment Corporation is a Hong Kong-based investment holding company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The group is principally engaged in hotel management and the leasing of properties for casino and ancillary leisure and entertainment purposes.

The DLA Piper Manchester-based team advising on the transaction was led by Corporate partner Jonathan Watkins, assisted by Corporate associate Robert Sissons.

Commenting on the deal, Jonathan Watkins, said: "We are delighted to have acted for the Whelan Family on the sale of Wigan Athletic to International Entertainment Corporation. This marks the culmination of a 20 year journey with the Club having worked with the Family since they first invested in the Club 1996."