DWS and Hammonds score on Thai's Man City takeover

Denton Wilde Sapte and Hammonds have scooped the lead roles on the £81.6m takeover of Manchester City by former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

DWS corporate partners Candice Chapman and Richard Barham are leading the team advising Manchester City.

Hammonds is acting for takeover company UK Sports Investments Limited, which is indirectly owned by Shinawatra and his immediate family.

Chapman said: “This was another great opportunity for us to showcase our M&A capabilities in another high-profile football transaction and keeps us at the forefront of the football legal world.”

Last month the firm advised Sir John Hall on the £55 million sale of his stake in Newcastle United.

The deal follows attempts by the Thai government to seize the billionaire's assets. Shinawatra was ousted by a military coup last September. He now faces allegations of fraud and corruption relating to his time in office. He denies all allegations.

US firm Baker Botts, best known for its lobbying efforts, is advsing Shinawatra on "all international options to protect his rights and interests".