Daijiworld Media Network - Liverpool
Liverpool, Aug 16: Premier League giants Liverpool FC have entered into a definitive agreement to sell a minority equity stake in the club to a consortium led and managed by British Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, bringing together prominent investors including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
The investment will not change the ownership structure of the club, with Fenway Sports Group (FSG) retaining majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool. The strategic investment is intended to support the club's long-term growth ambitions.
FSG, the global sports, media, entertainment and real estate company that owns Liverpool, announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell the minority stake to 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by Bhatia.
Bhatia, 46, is the son-in-law of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. He heads 1892 Holdings, which includes K5 Sports, K5 Global Fund and EE Capital. Bezos is the lead investor in K5 Global Fund, while EE Capital is the family office of Elaine and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.
Bhatia said he was proud to invest in Liverpool alongside FSG and expressed admiration for the club and its owners.
He said being welcomed as a partner at a club of Liverpool's stature was a huge privilege and that the consortium was making the investment because of its strong belief in the club and its leadership. He added that the group looked forward to supporting Liverpool's continued success.
FSG president Mike Gordon said the consortium shared the group's long-term philosophy and appreciation of what makes Liverpool unique.
Gordon said Bhatia and the consortium's experience and perspective would complement the strong foundation already established at the club, adding that FSG looked forward to working with the new investment partners.
The deal brings together prominent names from the global business, technology and investment sectors, including Bezos, Saverin and members of the Mittal family.
Despite the entry of the new investors, FSG will continue to control Liverpool's operations and retain its majority ownership. The agreement therefore represents a minority investment rather than a takeover of the Premier League club.
Boston-based FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 for around £300 million. Under its ownership, the club has enjoyed a highly successful period, winning the Premier League title in 2020 and claiming its sixth UEFA Champions League trophy in 2019.
The latest investment is expected to provide Liverpool with additional strategic and financial support as the club continues to pursue long-term growth while maintaining its existing ownership and operational structure.