Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the multi-sport investment group, has confirmed a deal to sell a minority stake in English soccer giants Liverpool to the consortium that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
The group is understood to have acquired a stake of around 30% in the Premier League club.
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The deal is reportedly worth more than £1.5 billion, which values Liverpool at over £5 billion ($6.8 billion) in total.
The consortium, named 1892 Holdings, is led by British-Indian millionaire businessman Amit Bhatia and backed by billionaire Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal and his family, EE Capital, the family office of Elaine and Eduardo Saverin (the co-founder of Facebook), and the K5 Sports fund, where Bezos is the lead investor.
FSG, which bought Liverpool in 2010 for £300 million, will maintain the majority share and operational control of the club.
According to CNBC, the new investment group has also obtained an option to become the largest shareholder in Liverpool within the next 12 months, based on a club valuation approaching £6 billion (looking into the future and projecting higher value).
FSG has said the strategic investment “supports Liverpool FC’s long-term growth ambitions.”
Mike Gordon, FSG president, said: “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.”
Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Bhatia, Mittal’s son-in-law, was the former co-owner of second-tier English side QPR. He held this position until late last month, when he transferred his share of the club to Ruben Gnanalingam.
On behalf of 1892 Holdings, Bhatia said: “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.”
The deal represents the second stake sale in the club by FSG in the past three years.
In September 2023, US private equity firm Dynasty Equity acquired a minority stake in the Merseyside outfit. That deal was believed to be worth around £164 million for a share of up to 3.8%, with the money raised to pay down debt and help finance capital expenditure.
Liverpool, who have a joint-record 20 English top-flight titles, finished fifth in the Premier League last season. They will start the new campaign away to Newcastle United on August 23.
