Liverpool's Anfield Stadium | FOOTBALL GROUND GUIDE/ Imago
Liverpool have announced a strategic minority investment in the club by 1892 Holdings, a consortium led and managed by businessman Amit Bhatia, with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos among the investors.
Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s majority owner, said on Friday that it had entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of a minority equity stake in Liverpool to the consortium.
A statement on the club website revealed this.
The investment also involves Bhatia and the Mittal Family Trusts, K5 Sports, a K5 Global Fund with Bezos as its lead investor, and EE Capital, the family office of Elaine and Eduardo Saverin.
Despite the new investment, FSG will retain majority ownership and operational control of the Premier League club.
According to Liverpool, the deal is designed to support the club’s long-term ambitions by bringing together expertise from global business, technology and investment.
“The strategic investment supports Liverpool F.C.’s long-term growth ambitions,” the club said, adding that the consortium partners would work with FSG and the club’s leadership to explore opportunities to strengthen its objectives both on and off the pitch.
FSG President Mike Gordon said the investment reflected the ownership group’s long-term approach to running Liverpool.
“Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season,” Gordon said.
He added that the consortium’s philosophy and understanding of Liverpool made the partnership attractive to FSG.
“It became clear that Amit and the consortium shared our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special,” Gordon said.
Bhatia, speaking on behalf of 1892 Holdings, said the consortium was proud to become an investor in the club.
“We are incredibly proud of investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG,” he said.
He described being welcomed as a partner at Liverpool as “a huge privilege” and said the group was investing because it believed deeply in the club and its leadership.
“We look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come,” Bhatia said.
The announcement brings several high-profile business figures into Liverpool’s ownership structure while leaving FSG firmly in control of the club.
The consortium includes K5 Sports, whose lead investor is Bezos, as well as the Mittal Family Trusts and EE Capital.
Liverpool said the partners would evaluate opportunities that could enhance the club’s ambitions on and off the pitch, suggesting the investment is intended to provide additional expertise and resources rather than represent a change in overall ownership control.
Corestone Capital Advisors introduced the parties and facilitated their engagement in connection with the transaction.
The deal is not yet fully completed, with Liverpool stating that its closing remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 and has overseen the club during a period that has included Premier League and Champions League success.
The latest agreement therefore represents an expansion of Liverpool’s investment base rather than a sale of control, with FSG continuing as the club’s majority owner and operator.
Comments
Start the conversation about this story.