Standard Liege, of Belgian men's soccer's top-tier Pro League, are no longer associated with 777 Partners, the now-dissolved sports-focused investment fund that previously owned the team.
Through a deal unveiled late last week (June 6), Advantage Capital Holdings (A-Cap), the US financial services company, divested the interest in Standard Liege that it took as 777 Partners descended into financial turmoil last year.
Go deeper with GlobalData
A-Cap was the largest creditor of Standard Liege, and as such, took control of 777's soccer portfolio (after Standard Liege was initially seized as a 777 asset by the Belgian government last May).
The club, initially bought by 777 in March 2022 for a reported €55 million ($62.8 million), is now owned by a consortium of buyers led by its chief executive, Giacomo Angelini, via a recently established holding company. A strategic capital increase of €28.7 million has also been finalized.
Kenneth King, chair and chief executive of A-Cap, has said: "This transaction represents a significant achievement for A-Cap, the club, and its dedicated supporters …
"Our consistent track record underscores A-Cap's commitment to fostering stability and success at all the soccer clubs in our portfolio. We remain focused on providing robust support to the remaining clubs on our platform and look forward to building on this momentum.”
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataAngelini added: "This transaction is not only a financial turning point, it is a promise for the future. It allows us to confidently consider the next steps in Standard de Liège's development. The way is open for an ambitious project."
A-Cap had first put Standard Liege up for sale last September, at a point when the club (which finished seventh in the 16-team 2024-25 Pro League) had reported debts of €60 million.
777 ultimately collapsed due to legal issues in the US. In May 2024, court proceedings were brought against the group in the country after a pair of investment funds claimed 777 and its managing partner Josh Wander owed them millions of dollars in damages after 777 pledged over $350 million in assets they allegedly knew they did not have or did not own as collateral for a loan they received.
These problems derailed the fund's attempt to secure ownership of English Premier League side Everton, and also meant that it lost control of the Vasco da Gama club in Brazil.
In this new deal, A-Cap was advised by Moelis & Company.
In March, A-Cap announced the divestment of its 20% stake, previously held by 777, in Australian side Melbourne Victory.
777 also owned Italian side Genoa, German second-tier strugglers Hertha Berlin, and second-tier French side Red Star, and in addition had a stake in Spanish club Sevilla.
Outside of soccer, meanwhile, it owned the London Lions men’s and women’s basketball teams, and 45% of the now-defunct British Basketball League.
