finnCap Cavendish advises on the sale of specialist executive search firm Nolan Partners
finnCap Cavendish, part of finnCap Group plc, is pleased to announce it has advised on the sale of Nolan Partners, a specialist executive search firm focused exclusively on the global sports, entertainment and related sectors, to Excel Sports Management (“Excel”), a US-based industry-leading sports agency that represents iconic talent, blue chip brands and marquee properties.
Founded in 2006, Nolan Partners primarily focuses on senior executive and board level roles and works on a global basis with clients that range from leading sports teams, governing bodies and other major corporate organisations in sports. Recent client placements range from the National Football League’s (NFL) Seattle Seahawks (pictured) to Major League Baseball, Premier League club Arsenal FC and French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco.
The transaction marks Excel’s first footprint in Europe and will form a key pillar of its international growth strategy. Following completion, Nolan Partners will continue to be led by chief executive officer Paul Nolan and US president Chad Biagini.
The deal was led by Mark Kingston, partner and head of human capital M&A at finnCap Cavendish and Paris McNicol-Outch, associate.
Paul Nolan, founder-CEO of Nolan Partners, commented “Over the last 16 years, we’ve grown to become the biggest search firm in the world dedicated to executive search in sports and entertainment, working in partnership with brands and wonderful clients across more than 20 countries and in every major sports league Today, we join with Excel, enhancing our ability to see our clients achieve their fullest potential both on and off the field.”
The finnCap Cavendish team played a critical role in helping us to secure the right partner and home for our business. The team’s recruitment sector expertise and commitment throughout the deal was second to none, I would have no hesitation in recommending them to other business owners considering M&A.”
Jeff Schwartz, founder and president, Excel Sports Management commented: “Nolan Partners is a globally recognized leader in executive placement due to their unmatched track record, industry connectivity and remarkable growth story”. “At Excel, we strive to be the absolute best at any business we enter and, similarly, Nolan Partners are best-in-class at what they do.”
Mark Kingston continued: “We are absolutely delighted to have advised Paul and the shareholders on this transaction which further demonstrates our leading expertise in the recruitment sector and our ability to complete cross-border deals with highly strategic buyers. With the support of Excel, we believe Nolan is ideally placed to capitalise on significant global market opportunities during the coming years.
