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OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Velocity Sports Partners complete acquisition of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona

Velocity Sports Partners (VSP) - the sports investment arm of ALK Capital - led by Alan Pace has today officially announced the acquisition of a majority shareholding in RCD Espanyol de Barcelona.

This marks a significant milestone for VSP, as it expands its footprint into Spanish football and formalises a new era of collaboration and growth.

The acquisition follows an extensive period of due diligence, which involved a deep dive into RCD Espanyol de Barcelona’s financial, institutional, and sporting infrastructure.

This meticulous process has reinforced a deep admiration for the club’s rich history, its loyal fanbase, and its profound connection to the local community, all of which align with VSP’s philosophy of responsible stewardship.

"Football has always belonged to its people," said Alan Pace, Managing Partner of ALK Capital and Chairman of Burnley FC. "Our role is not to replace legacy, but to build upon it, with care, with clarity, and with purpose.

"This is not about ownership; it's about stewardship. Burnley will remain Burnley. Espanyol will remain Espanyol. Each club will retain its own leadership, identity, independence and decision-making, run by its own people, for its own supporters."

This multi-club model is built on the belief that collaboration, when done with respect, can strengthen local identity rather than threaten it.

At RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, a shared ambition will be to invest in world-class academies and infrastructure, to achieve long-term footballing success on and off the field, and to foster an open and transparent relationship with supporters.

VSP has been deeply impressed by the passion of the RCD Espanyol de Barcelona supporters. The group is dedicated to earning the trust and support of the community through tangible actions, mirroring the values of transparency and long-term commitment that have guided its work at Burnley.

"We are here to do the work," said Pace. "Honestly, carefully, and openly. To respect the past, support the present, and shape a future worthy of both clubs’ proud traditions. This is how football evolves, with its people, for its people, and always for the beautiful game.

"I would also like to express my gratitude to Chen Yansheng and the Rastar Group for their stewardship of RCD Espanyol. Their hard work and commitment have laid a strong foundation, and we look forward to working alongside them as we aim to take the club to the next level."