Need to know
Fenway Sports Group have confirmed that a consortium of investors, led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, have approached them about a stake in Liverpool FC
American businessman Jeff Bezos
American businessman Jeff Bezos (Image: (Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images))
Everything we know after a consortium of investors, led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, approached FSG about a stake in Liverpool
The story: Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, are in talks over selling a minority stake to a consortium led by the former Queens Park Rangers co‑owner Amit Bhatia. The deal is backed by Bhatia’s father-in-law Lakshmi Mittal, the billionaire Indian steel magnate.
What’s the latest: The ECHO understands that no agreement is in place and talks remain at an early stage, according to sources briefed on the matter. The ECHO also understands the negotiations are being viewed as similar to the agreement with Dynasty Equity in 2023, which was worth between £82m and £164m.
FSG statement: An FSG statement given to the ECHO said: “An investment consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."
Big offer on the table: According to the Guardian, a sale of 30% of Liverpool is being discussed, with an offer of around £1.35bn on the table. They also claim that talks over the deal have been going on for three months.
Amit Bhatia's stance: Mr Bhatia has so far declined to comment on the developments but went public about the decision to step away from QPR on Tuesday, having come on board at Loftus Road nearly 20 years ago.
Liverpool valuation: FSG purchased Liverpool for £300m in October 2010. Over 15 years later, the 20-time Premier League champions are valued at £5.2 billion by the influential American finance publication Forbes.
Jeff Bezos talks: According to the Guardian, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has held talks about joining the Amit Bhatia-led consortium. They also report that Bhatia is talking to other potential investors about supplying funding.
Bezos latest: The report from the Guardian claims that Bhatia’s consortium would see Bezos receive equity in Liverpool. He is currently the executive chairman of Amazon, having relinquished day-to-day control when he stepped down as chief executive five years ago.
Bezos stance: However, Sky News is reporting that despite the talks, a source cautioned that he was not certain to proceed with investment in the club. The 62-year-old also owns the Washington Post and Forbes magazine estimates his fortune is worth almost $257bn, making him the world's fourth-richest man.