Addleshaw Goddard Advises RISE Group on Strategic Acquisition by Elevate Sports Ventures
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has advised RISE Group Holdings Limited on the sale of its sports, culture, and entertainment consultancy business to Elevate Sports Ventures, Inc., a major global agency headquartered in the United States. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, marks a significant milestone in the regional consultancy landscape and signals Elevate's strategic expansion into the MENA market.
Founded as a leading consultancy across sports, culture, and entertainment sectors in the Middle East, RISE Group has built an impressive client base comprising regional and international brands. The acquisition allows Elevate to strengthen its global footprint and deepen its partnerships in a dynamic region poised to host major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia.
Lowri Llwyd, Partner and Head of Corporate UAE at Addleshaw Goddard, led the advisory team and stated, “We are delighted to have supported RISE Group on this transformational transaction. The deal reflects the rising momentum of international investment in the MENA sports and entertainment sectors and showcases the region’s global appeal.”
Seth Holmes, Managing Partner at RISE Group Middle East, added, “Addleshaw Goddard brought deep regional expertise and commercial acumen to our sell-side process. Their ability to navigate both Saudi and UAE jurisdictions was instrumental in achieving a smooth and successful transaction.”
The multi-jurisdictional Addleshaw Goddard team that advised on the transaction included:
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Corporate – UAE: Lowri Llwyd, Aidan Barry, Lorna Dean, Rania Sallam
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Corporate – KSA: Jasem Alanizy, Nora Al-Henaki
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Tax – London: Zoe Fatchen
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Employment: Rachel Hill, Lucy Melville
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Technology, Sourcing and Transformation (TST): Tejaswini Gangwal
This acquisition underscores Addleshaw Goddard’s growing reputation as a trusted legal advisor in cross-border mergers and acquisitions across the Gulf, particularly in high-growth sectors like entertainment, sports, and consultancy.
