Press Release: Mercury/13 acquires FC Como Women
Photo Credit: Como WomenLake Como, Italy – March 4th — In a landmark deal, Mercury/13 are proud to announce the acquisition of a controlling stake in FC Como Women, a professional women’s football club competing in Italy’s Serie A Femminile eBay. This groundbreaking development signifies Mercury/13’s inaugural portfolio club, and an important step in our vision to redefine football club ownership by embracing a massive yet overlooked audience: women.
Under the leadership of Mercury/13, FC Como Women aims to propel itself to global recognition in women’s football as it enters an exciting new chapter. The club’s remarkable ascent from Serie C to the pinnacle of Italian professional women’s football is a testament to the work of the club’s existing owners and validation for the viability of independent women clubs in Europe.
Stefano Verga, who has led FC Como Women since the team’s inception, will remain as club President and shareholder, alongside pre-existing owners Simone Verga, Manuela Colombo, and Cristian Larghi. Mercury/13’s co-founders and co-CEOs, Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malave, will join the club’s board of directors, alongside Mr. Verga.
“For years, I’ve dreamed of this club having what it truly deserves. Since I met Victoire and Mario, I’ve been fascinated by their vision and determination they have to transform women’s football. It has brought me great joy and pride that a group with the calibre of talent of Mercury/13’s has chosen us as their first investment. For many years, I’ve held this dream in my mind, and I see in this project the opportunity for us all to come together and take the team to the top of European football. I’m excited to welcome them in Como and I anticipate great things from this partnership,” said Stefano Verga.
The club will continue operating from its current facility, and remain deeply rooted within the local communities of Seregno, Cislago, and Como. Comprising a roster of talented young and seasoned players, the team rivals against renowned clubs such as AC Milan, Juventus, and AS Roma in the Italian championship, with the aspiration to continue improving with each new season.
Italy’s illustrious football heritage and vast potential for women’s football development, as well as the iconic location of the club presents a compelling opportunity. Through close collaboration with the club’s staff and sporting personnel, Mercury/13 aims to help transform Como Women into one of Europe’s foremost clubs, providing a nurturing environment for players to flourish in their careers on and off the pitch.
“We’re thrilled by the opportunity to take this club to the next level, and we’re looking forward to embed ourselves into the local community and build the next chapter of this club with them, the new fans, and the millions of international tourists that visit Lake Como every year. All of them will have a new reason to come and visit this top European destination: watch and support women playing football at the highest level, ” said Victoire Cogevina Reynal.
Central to this vision is the pursuit of strategic commercial partnerships that recognize the pivotal role of women’s football in advancing gender equality on a global scale, with the intention of welcoming the other half of the globe into a sport that often excludes them.
“Through innovative partnerships with forward looking sponsors, we are determined to transform Como Women into a symbol of empowerment and celebration of women in Italy and beyond. Through football we are confident we can become a paradigm of success and an important example of what happens when society gives women the place and the opportunities they deserve.” said Ms. Cogevina Reynal, also known for her activism with the United Nations and several non-profits in the gender equality fight.
“When we first met Mr. Verga, now our partner, we were immediately inspired by his journey and by his ambition to take the club to new heights” said Mario Malavé. “We’ve been impressed with the calibre of talent here (on and off the pitch) and we’re very energised to contribute to the growth of women’s football in Italy. This club has been built with the support of incredible local partners who have backed the team and helped it get to where it is today. We’re invigorated to extend our partnerships with them in this next chapter of growth” said Mario Malave.
Mercury/13 wishes to recognise the dedication and professionalism of Deloitte and Sidley Austin LLP who both served as legal counsel in this historic transaction.
