The takeover of Everton has been completed and they are now under American ownership as the Friedkin Group are in charge.
Everton fans can finally look ahead to a more stable future, with details of the takeover stating that finances have now been stabilized.
“Everton Football Club has been acquired by Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited (Roundhouse), an entity within The Friedkin Group (TFG),” the club said in a statement.
“The transaction was finalized following an agreement between Farhad Moshiri’s Blue Heaven Holdings (BHH) and Roundhouse for the sale of BHH’s majority stake in the Club. The deal received the necessary regulatory approvals from the Premier League, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority.”
How big a deal is this for Everton?
After Farhad Moshiri put the Toffees up for sale over a year ago there have been several false dawns over new ownership, while Everton suffered an eight-point deduction last season due to not complying with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) but still stayed up in the Premier League. They have been constantly battling relegation in recent seasons and badly new investment in the squad and some positivity and new direction.
They will now look to put the last few seasons of struggle behind them as the Friedkin Group, led by American businessman Dan Friedkin who also owns Italian giants AS Roma, will bring new finances, ideas and steady stewardship ahead of Everton moving to their stunning new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for next season.
Sean Dyche has Everton on 15 points so far this season and he will be hoping to finally be able to spend some money on new players in January to help push them away from the relegation scrap.
Everton become the 10th current Premier League team owned by Americans, either with a majority stake or a significant stake.
Friedkin group statement on Everton takeover
Upon completion of the deal, Dan Friedkin penned an open letter to Everton fans:
“Following the completion of the takeover of Everton Football Club, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and introduce the incoming Executive Chairman of Everton, Marc Watts. I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, The Friedkin Group. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.
“The Friedkin Group is a diverse family of companies with a global footprint spanning industries such as sports, automotive, entertainment, hospitality, and adventure. Across all our endeavours, we strive to deliver extraordinary experiences that ignite people’s passions. We are thrilled to bring this ethos to Everton and the Liverpool City Region. Whilst we are new to the Club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world. We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city. Once again, thank you for your continued support.”
What’s next for Everton?
Everton also revealed how the new structure at the top of the club will work:
“Dan Friedkin, Chairman and CEO of TFG is proposed to be Chairman of the Board. He has appointed Marc Watts to serve as Executive Chairman, who will be responsible in this role for the management of the club. Ana Dunkel, TFG’s Chief Financial Officer and Colin Chong, the Club’s interim CEO will also serve on the Board. Additional appointments will be made in the coming weeks. TFG’s vision for Everton Football Club focuses on building a sustainable and successful future. Key priorities include:
- Strengthening the men’s first-team squad through thoughtful and strategic investment.
- Cultivating home-grown superstars through Everton’s Academy.
- Fostering a distinct on-pitch and commercial strategy for the women’s team.
- Respecting the Club’s traditions and keeping Everton at the heart of the community.
- Maximising the potential of the new stadium through long-term commercial partnerships and events that benefit the city of Liverpool.
- Enhancing Everton’s reputation as a unique and historical name in world football.
“In view of recent changes to the Premier League’s shareholder loan regulations, Everton took proactive steps prior to the transaction’s completion. These included increasing the Club’s share capital to convert outstanding debt owed to BHH into equity, thereby facilitating additional equity investment from Roundhouse. With this acquisition, TFG is committed to delivering a strong and sustainable future for Everton Football Club, restoring its competitive stature and maintaining its deep connection with fans and the community.”
Incoming executive chairman Marc Watts added the following: “Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club. We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”
Moshiri added that he “truly believes” that the transaction with the Friedkin Group is “the best outcome for the Club and its future success.”