Eversheds has advised and completed on the acquisition of Notts County Football Club, the oldest Football League club in the world.

The deal was reached by the international law firm on behalf of Alan Hardy, a local businessman from the Nottingham region, to purchase the UK League Two professional football club from current owner Ray Trew.

The Eversheds team, who provided advice on the structuring and acquisition of the club, was led by partner Stephen Hill and corporate principal associate Matthew Hussey and comprised: partner Mark Wood (restructuring); principal associate Sam Bhachu (real estate); senior associate Vanessa Challenger (employment); associates Shareenah Atwal (restructuring); and Carly McGowan (corporate).

Matthew Hussey said: "After months of very complex and carefully considered negotiations, we’re pleased to announce the completion of this sale on behalf of our client, Alan Hardy. Being able to support Alan on such a pivotal stage in the club’s future has been a fantastic opportunity. We look forward to working with him again.”

Alan Hardy commented: “This is a wonderful result and one that we couldn’t have arrived at without the support and commercial astuteness of the Eversheds team. They really did pull out all the stops – working around the clock to conclude what was a very intricate deal. I’m thrilled and look forward to working them again.”