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Northampton agree deal with Pato-led consortium

League Two outfit Northampton Town have struck an agreement regarding an investment stake with Sports Alpha Capital, a group backed by retired Brazilian international Alexandre Pato and London-based firm Gemcorp Capital. Both the English Football League and the Independent Football Regulator granted clearance for the purchase earlier this month, with the transaction anticipated to conclude in the coming week.

While the precise percentage of ownership involved remains undisclosed, Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas expressed satisfaction at progressing through the intricate deal process, and SAC founding partner Joao Xavier noted the importance of reaching binding terms.

SAC previously explored a buyout of Colchester United before withdrawing from discussions earlier in the year. Pato, now 37, ended his professional career last year following prominent stints with clubs like Chelsea and AC Milan, having netted 63 times across 150 appearances and captured the 2010-11 Serie A crown during his five-and-a-half-year stay with the Italian giants.