Liverpool’s owners have agreed to sell a minority stake in the Premier League club to a consortium that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. US-based Fenway Sports Group, owner of the 20-time Premier League champion, said it had agreed the deal with 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by British-Indian millionaire Amit Bhatia and also including Bezos and Eduardo Saverin, who co-founded Facebook. According to reports, the stake acquired by the consortium amounts to about a third of the club.
American businessman Bezos is the fourth richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $256 billion.
Bezos is not expected to join Liverpool’s expanded board, which will reportedly include Bhatia as vice-chairman of the Premier League club.
But Brian Baum, founder of venture capital firm K5 Sports, which Bezos uses to invest in Liverpool, is set to become a member of the Anfield board, alongside Saverin’s wife Elin.
“Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind. This approach continues to attract the interest of respected investors and business people around the world,” FSG chairman Mike Gordon said on Friday.
“As we considered this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium share our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special.”
The deal is believed to put Liverpool’s value between £5 billion ($6.8 billion) and £6 billion.
With several weeks to go until the Premier League transfer window closes, the new investment could be a boost for Reds boss Andoni Iraola as he looks to strengthen his squad for the new season.
Bhatia has extensive experience in football boards having been co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for 18 years before stepping away from the English Championship club once his link to Liverpool became public knowledge.
“We are extremely proud to invest in Liverpool Football Club and to do so alongside FSG. We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield,” Bhatia said.
“To be welcomed as a partner to a club of this stature is a huge honour. We are making this investment because we believe strongly in Liverpool and their leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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