Simon Orange: The Billion-Pound Entrepreneur Behind CorpAcq and the Rise of Sale Sharks

Who Is Simon Orange?

Simon Orange is one of the UK’s most intriguing yet understated business figures. A self-made entrepreneur, long-term investor, and co-owner of Sale Sharks Rugby Club, he has built an empire quietly and consistently, far away from the spotlight often associated with high-net-worth individuals. Known for founding CorpAcq, a multi-industry acquisition group valued at over £1 billion, and for his deep commitment to North-West England, Orange represents a rare combination of disciplined business leadership and community-centred sports ownership.

Simon Orange Age

Born in August 1967, Simon Sebastian Orange is now in his mid-fifties. His journey from a modest upbringing in Manchester to becoming a billionaire-level entrepreneur reflects decades of consistent work, strategic acquisitions, and long-term business thinking.

A Low-Profile Business Leader

Despite his financial success, Orange maintains an unusually low public profile. He avoids celebrity culture, rarely gives interviews, and prefers to let his results—both in business and sport—speak for themselves.

Early Life and Family Background

Growing Up in Manchester

Simon Orange grew up in Wythenshawe, one of Manchester’s more deprived areas. His early life was far removed from the boardrooms and sports ownership roles he would later occupy. Friends and associates often describe him as grounded, hardworking, and unaffected by wealth.

Simon Orange Brother – Jason Orange

A widely known fact is that Simon is the older brother of Jason Orange, the former member of the world-famous British pop group Take That. While Jason became a household name in entertainment, Simon built his fortune through business rather than fame. Both brothers maintain private lives and rarely appear together publicly.

The Creation of CorpAcq

What Is CorpAcq?

Simon Orange founded CorpAcq (Corporate Acquisitions Group) in 2006. The company focuses on buying profitable small and medium-sized British businesses and supporting their long-term growth rather than flipping them for quick returns.

How CorpAcq Works

CorpAcq:

• Acquires established, profitable companies

• Keeps existing management teams

• Provides capital and stability

• Operates with a long-horizon growth philosophy

Over time, CorpAcq expanded into a portfolio of 40+ companies, including firms in manufacturing, engineering, construction, consumer goods, property, and industrial services.

The Billion-Pound Deal

In recent years, CorpAcq’s success attracted major institutional interest. Private-equity giant TDR Capital acquired a majority stake in a deal reportedly worth over £1 billion, placing Orange among the wealthiest and most influential entrepreneurs in the region.

This deal was not a sale-and-exit; Orange continues to be actively involved in CorpAcq’s strategic direction.

Simon Orange and Sale Sharks

The Beginning of His Rugby Journey

Although not originally a rugby fan, Simon Orange developed an interest in the sport through friends and his wife, Michelle. His connection to Sale Sharks grew steadily, encouraged by long-time associates like Steve Diamond and Steve Smith.

The Takeover of Sale Sharks

In 2016, Orange led the consortium that purchased Sale Sharks, the North-West’s Premiership rugby union team. His business partner, Ged Mason, took a minority share, resulting in a widely reported 75% (Orange) / 25% (Mason) ownership structure.

Impact on the Club

Under Orange’s ownership, Sale Sharks have:

• Achieved consistent Premiership top-four finishes

• Reached multiple semi-finals and a final

• Strengthened their academy and player development

• Invested heavily in facilities, including the Carrington training base

His approach emphasises:

• Financial stability

• Long-term club culture

• Investment in both the men’s and women’s teams

• Strong community engagement

Sale Sharks Women and Community Work

Much of the inspiration behind the club’s women’s programme comes from Michelle Orange, who has become a major figure in the development of women’s rugby in the North-West. Together, Simon and Michelle have helped elevate the structure, visibility, and ambition of the women’s game at Sale.

Simon Orange Wife – Michelle Orange

Michelle Orange is a passionate rugby supporter, community advocate, and one of the most influential women within the Sale Sharks organisation. Although she holds no formal job title, she calls herself a “minister without portfolio”, immersing herself in:

• The Sale Sharks Foundation

• Women’s rugby development

• Player welfare

• Community projects

• Support for staff and families

Shared Journey Between Simon and Michelle

The couple have been together since their late teens—over 30 years—and have lived in both Manchester and New York. Their bond and shared love for the club have shaped the culture and atmosphere that Sale Sharks is now known for.

Leadership Philosophy and Values

Long-Term, Not Short-Term

Unlike many investors, Orange rejects the short-term, high-turnover approach. He believes in:

• Building sustainable businesses

• Preserving jobs

• Supporting management teams

• Developing high-performance environments

Hands-On Sports Ownership

He is one of the few rugby owners who regularly attends matches, community events, and staff activities. His presence at Carrington reinforces the message that ownership is fully committed to the club’s success.

A Northern Identity

Orange’s investments are deeply connected to the North-West. His pride in the region shapes both CorpAcq’s acquisition strategy and Sale Sharks’ community role.

Simon Orange’s Net Worth

While he maintains privacy regarding his finances, most credible assessments—after the CorpAcq–TDR Capital transaction—place his wealth well above £1 billion.
His wealth comes from:

• CorpAcq equity

• Multiple private holdings

• Property investments

• Long-term asset growth

He is wealthy, but not showy; his lifestyle is described by those around him as comfortable, modest, and grounded.

The Future for Simon Orange

With Sale Sharks reaching new competitive heights and CorpAcq continuing to grow, Orange is expected to remain a major figure in UK business and rugby. His ongoing projects include:

• Continued investment in Sale’s playing squads

• Strengthening the women’s pathways

• Further acquisitions through CorpAcq

• Increasing the club’s presence in the North-West

Orange and his wife Michelle have expressed a deep emotional connection to the club and even included it in their will—an unprecedented gesture that shows their long-term dedication.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Simon Orange stands out as a British entrepreneur who has built something rare: a billion-pound business empire fuelled by long-term thinking, loyalty, and regional pride. From founding CorpAcq to transforming Sale Sharks into a top-tier Premiership force, his influence spans business, sport, and community life.

With a devoted partner in Michelle Orange, a strong sibling connection to Jason Orange, and decades of experience in acquisition and leadership, Simon Orange remains a powerful and positive presence in UK enterprise. His story continues to evolve—but his impact is already firmly established.

FAQs About Simon Orange

1. Who is Simon Orange?

Simon Orange is a British entrepreneur, investor, and co-owner of Sale Sharks Rugby Club. He is best known as the founder of CorpAcq, a successful acquisition group that owns more than 40 UK businesses across manufacturing, engineering, construction, and industrial sectors.

2. How old is Simon Orange?

Simon Orange was born in August 1967, making him in his mid-50s. He has spent most of his life in the Manchester area and remains strongly connected to the North-West of England.

3. Who is Simon Orange’s wife?

His wife is Michelle Orange, a passionate supporter of Sale Sharks and an active figure in the club’s foundation and women’s rugby programme. Although she has no formal job title, she is heavily involved in community initiatives, player welfare, and club culture.

4. What is Simon Orange’s connection to Sale Sharks?

Simon Orange acquired Sale Sharks Rugby Club in 2016 alongside business partner Ged Mason. Under his ownership, the club has seen major investment, improved facilities, consistent Premiership playoff appearances, and significant growth in both men’s and women’s rugby.

5. What is Simon Orange’s relationship to Jason Orange?

Simon Orange is the older brother of Jason Orange, the former member of the internationally recognised British pop group Take That. While Jason found fame in music, Simon built his reputation through business and investment.

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