The Jeff Bezos-backed consortium bought a 38 per cent stake in Liverpool from FSG. 🔴
The consortium includes Amazon founder Bezos but is led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal and until recently, a shareholder in Championship club QPR.
FSG has sold close to 40% to the Bhatia consortium. As I said when news broke this is an exit ramp for FSG. The sale also includes a takeover in 12 months. Given Bezos put in $ Billion+ of his money in this stake, remains to be seen if he majority funds the takeover via K5 Sports. Looks in 12 months or so we will have new owners.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) sold close to 40 per cent of Liverpool Football Club to the consortium including U.S. billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Early suggestions on both sides of the transaction indicated the purchased stake was in the range of approximately 30 per cent to one-third, but The Athletic can reveal the figure is actually much closer to 40 per cent, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.
1892 Holdings, a consortium headed up and led by Amit Bhatia, the former Queens Park Rangers co-owner who will take up the position of vice-chairman at Liverpool, has purchased around a 38 per cent shareholding in Liverpool.
That is a much more significant share of the club, while there is also an option for the consortium to buy a controlling stake in the Premier League side, as per the terms of their agreement with FSG, in the next 12 months.
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🚨 Aggregators, assemble! A double deal for both Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye is now only a matter of when, not if. The personal terms with both players are already agreed upon. As reported last week, both clubs want to finalize the deal. The pricing and deal structure are taking some time. ⏳🔜🤝#LFC #TransferNews
🚨 Fenway Sports Group confirm a deal to sell around 30% of Liverpool to the 1892 Holdings Amit Bhatia-led consortium for around £1.65bn.
Bhatia will also become Liverpool’s new vice-chairman.
Elaine Saverin and Bryan Baum will both sit on the board. Baum will represent Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
FSG stay as majority owners and the day-to-day running of the club is unchanged.
The deal is still subject Independent Football Regulator and Premier League Owners’ and Directors’ test approvals.🔴
🗣️ Mike Gordon: “Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind. That approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders around the world. As we considered this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium shared our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special. Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.”
🗣️ Amit Bhatia: “We are incredibly proud to be investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG. We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield. To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege. We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”
More on the Amit Bhatia-led consortium's purchase of around 30% in Liverpool.
The investment is viewed as a long-term partnership. FSG maintain day-to-day operational control of the club.
Liverpool was not seeking investment out of financial need. Understand this opportunity stood out because of the calibre of the consortium, and the experience and relationships they bring.
Transfer decisions and budget will remain solely with Liverpool's sporting team.
The agreement has some flexibility for how the relationship could evolve over time, but there is no pre-determined path as of now beyond this minority investment.
Senior figures at both FSG and Liverpool have spent considerable time getting to know Bhatia. Sources say he understands the responsibility of investing in a club like #LFC.
The consortium also brings new global relationships, including in India and Asia.
Bhatia is the primary partner in the deal and will be both vice-chairman and join the board.
Jeff Bezos has invested via K5 Sports, but not viewed as day-to-day or too actively involved. Bezos will not sit on the board. K5 Sports' Bryan Baum will represent his interests and will sit on the board.🔴
🚨The Amit Bhatia-led consortium, featuring the founders of Facebook and Amazon, completes a £1.4bn investment deal with FSG for a 30% stake in Liverpool.
Jeff Bezos is not on the new-look board as Bhatia becomes the new vice chairman. All the details ⤵
https://t.co/A3hD9k55Qj