The takeover, which was originally due to take place last summer, finally completed on 14 May 2025 following months of negotiations, a successful defence of an injunctive attempt, the forced revelation that the seller had been disqualified from ownership by the EFL, consulting with counsel in multiple international jurisdictions, and completing the sale within a short time from when the parties achieved agreement..

The legal transaction sees Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair, the shareholders of Dogwood Football LLC which in turn owns a wholly owned subsidiary in the UK, Redwood Holdings 1 Ltd, acquire all the shares in The Reading Football Club Limited from Renhe Sport Management Co Limited.

Separately, Redwood Stadium Limited (a BVI entity) will acquire the Stadium from Prestige Fortune Asia Limited (a BVI entity). Redwood Stadium Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dogwood Football LLC.

Corporate partners Cris Boyce and Steve Hanbury along with head of Commercial Property Cheryl Baxter advised on the deal with support from head of Dispute Resolution Andrew Pay and a team of skilled legal experts in football ownership transactions from across the firm.

Commenting on the sale, Cris Boyce said:

“Football club deals are rarely straightforward and this one was certainly no exception. Parties to the transaction were based in the UK, US, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and the British Virgin Islands, so we had some challenges dealing with different time zones and a significant number of advisors based in different jurisdictions. Ultimately, we are delighted to have secured the Club, Stadium and training ground for our clients. This process involved the Courts, to get the deal back on track and over the line. The most important thing is that Reading FC is now under new ownership and in safe hands with a much brighter future.”

Rob Couhig, co- owner of Reading FC, said:

“I first met Cris and his team when I lent money to the Yeovil Football Club. He protected my interest then and has guarded it since. He led the effort when I bought and sold my interest in Wycombe. I stated after that sale that I would want to use Cris if I ever bought another team in England. This experience has justified my commitment to him. Going forward, whether it’s football or any other commercial interest in the U.K, I know my first call will be to Cris and I know that he and his team will work with me to produce the desired result.”

The takeover over Reading FC continues Kitson Boyce’s relationship with Couhig whom they advised on the purchase and subsequent sale of the Buckinghamshire-based EFL club Wycombe Wanderers. Cris Boyce and his team have advised on previous deals involving both EFL and National League clubs and are currently advising investors on future acquisitions.

Photo: Rob Couhig (left) and Cris Boyce (right)