Global infrastructure powerhouse GMR Group has acquired Hampshire Cricket, becoming the first international company to purchase an English county cricket team. This groundbreaking deal is expected to drive significant growth for Hampshire, leveraging GMR’s global resources to enhance the team's infrastructure, broaden its reach, and promote talent development.
Rod Bransgrove, Chairman of Hampshire Sports and Leisure Holdings Limited (HSLHL), expressed his excitement, saying, "This partnership fulfills a long-held dream for me and our supporters. Over the past 24 years, we’ve not only achieved success on the field but transformed our stadium into a leading venue for Test matches and events. We’ve also been at the forefront of women’s cricket development."
The terms of the acquisition, which were agreed upon a year ago, reflect a fair market valuation of Hampshire's assets, as well as future prospects.
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Corporate Chairman of GMR Group, remarked, “We are delighted to bring Hampshire Cricket into the GMR family. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to global sports and the unifying power of cricket. We’re eager to collaborate with Hampshire’s team to ensure a successful and sustainable future for the club.”
Bransgrove emphasized GMR’s alignment with Hampshire’s vision, noting that the selection of GMR as a partner opens exciting opportunities as the club embraces the global expansion of cricket.
GMR’s sports business, which was established in 2008, initially launched with the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Delhi Daredevils, now known as the Delhi Capitals. The acquisition of Hampshire is GMR’s latest venture into global sports, further strengthening its presence in the cricketing world.