Approved · Waiver · decided in 20 days, 10 Sept 2026
EQT Fund Management, via Hosta Investment Holdings, intends to acquire a majority shareholding in the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club. Melbourne Storm is a Victorian-based professional sporting club competing in the National Rugby League, also holding a stake in AAMI Park stadium.
EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. ( EFMS ), through Hosta Investment Holdings Pte. Limited ( Hosta ), a special purpose vehicle indirectly owned by investment fund BPEA Mid-Market Opportunities ( BPEA MMO ), intends to acquire a majority of the shares in Holding M.S. Australia Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries (Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club Limited and Valimanda Pty Ltd), which own and operate Melbourne Storm (together, Melbourne Storm ) from its current shareholders pursuant to a share sale agreement (the Acquisition ). BPEA MMO is a private investment fund controlled by EFMS, its alternative investment fund manager. Melbourne Storm is a Victorian-based professional sporting club that competes in the National Rugby League ( NRL ), Australia's premier rugby league competition. Melbourne Storm has competed in the NRL since the competition's commencement in 1998. Through its participation in the NRL, Melbourne Storm supplies professional rugby league and related entertainment services, including the provision of a rugby league team to participate in the NRL competition, as well as associated sponsorship, membership, ticketing and merchandising activities. Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club Limited also owns 33.3% of Melbourne Sports Operations Pty Ltd ( MSO ), an incorporated joint venture which owns and operates AAMI Park stadium, located at 60 Olympic Park Boulevard, Melbourne, Victoria. As a result of the Acquisition, Hosta will also indirectly acquire an interest in MSO.