The second-division Spanish team is the first European team to join Orlegi Sports’ portfolio, and which includes Mexican soccer league teams Santos Laguna and Atlas.

The transaction was completed on June 28, 2022, after obtaining the applicable authorization from Spain’s Sports Council.

The acquisition was made from the Fernández family, which has held a majority stake in the Spanish team for three decades.

“Orlegi’s acquisition carries the commitment to develop Real Sporting de Gijón to its full potential as a club,” the soccer club said in a statement.

The club has played in the second division of the Spanish league for eight of the past 10 years, having been promoted to the first division in 2015 and 2017. However, the club faced the threat of being relegated to the third division during last season.

Following the transaction, Orlegi Sports appointed Real Sporting de Gijon‘s new board of directors, and which is made up of Alejandro Irarragorri as Chair and Alfonso Villalva and Martin Hollaender as members.

Mexican law firm Von Wobeser y Sierra advised Orlegi Sports on the acquisition, with a team led by partner Fernando Carreño.

Orlegi was advised in Spain by law firm Uría Menéndez, with a team led by Pablo González Espejo and David López Velázquez.

Orlegi’s in-house counsel Manyra Hernández Sabag also advised on the deal.

Real Sporting de Gijón was advised by law firm Ontier.