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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

Cricket agency looking after Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Stuart Broad sold to marketing giant

A Cheshire-based cricket talent management business that looks after the likes of Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Stuart Broad has been sold.

Phoenix Management Group in Knutsford has been acquired by marketing giant CSM for an undisclosed sum.

The company was established in 2018 by former England and Lancashire left-armer Neil Fairbrother and its clients also include Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone and Nat Sciver.

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It also looks after several ex-players and media personalities including Isa Guha, David Lloyd and Michael Vaughan.

London-headquartered CSM's cricketing clients include Jonny Bairstow, Ollie Pope, Reece Topley and Matthew Potts while its non-executive chairman is Lord Seb Coe.

Matt Vandrau, group CEO at CSM, said: "We are delighted to have brought Phoenix Management Group into the business. Having played cricket with and against Neil in the 90s, I know first-hand how driven and committed he is.

"It’s little surprise he went on to build such a successful talent management agency. Neil’s expertise, coupled with our own experience in this space, positions us collectively as the undisputed market leaders within English cricket both commercially and from a talent management perspective. We look forward to working with Neil and his team."

Mr Fairbrother added: "Everyone here at Phoenix is excited by the prospect of working closely with CSM. As an established global agency, operating across the full spectrum of sport and entertainment, we feel they can help elevate our business to a new level.

"We can’t wait to get going and look forward to what’s in store for the whole Phoenix family in the months and years ahead."

CSM was advised by Womble Bond Dickinson and the shareholders of Phoenix Management Group were advised by Seneca, Laytons and Claritas.

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