ไทย
English
中國人
The investment group that includes U.S. billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has reportedly acquired a 38% stake in Liverpool, surpassing the one-third share that was widely believed to be its initial portion.
Bezos is just one of several parties involved in 1892 Holdings, a group of investors named after Liverpool's founding year, whose investment into the club was confirmed last week. Fenway Sports Group (FSG) continues to hold the majority of shares, a position they have maintained since 2010, though their stake now appears to be smaller than originally expected.
The official announcement of outside investment into Liverpool did not include precise figures regarding the size of the stake or the total cost. It had been widely reported that 1892 Holdings acquired between 30–33% of the Premier League club, but The Athletic now claims the figure is closer to the 40% mark.
The difference is considered "much more significant" and could pave the way for any future attempt to secure a controlling interest in Liverpool.
Terms of Full Liverpool Takeover for Jeff Bezos Consortium
A key element of the minority investment agreement includes a mechanism that would allow the minority investors to acquire a majority stake in Liverpool within the next 12 months. CNBC reports that this clause places the club's valuation at approximately $8 billion.
The Athletic emphasizes that this remains merely an option, not an obligation. No formal commitment is believed to have been made at this stage.
Given that the minority investors are only 13% away from holding a majority, displacing FSG from the top position is very much within their reach.
Who Are Liverpool's New Minority Owners
Amit Bhatia
Despite all the attention surrounding Bezos, he is not expected to hold a seat on Liverpool's board. That role will instead go to Amit Bhatia, the club's newly appointed vice-chairman and head of 1892 Holdings. Bhatia previously served as co-owner of Queens Park Rangers before stepping down in July. The British-Indian investor first became connected with QPR back in 2007.
"We are incredibly proud to be investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG," Bhatia said in a statement last week. "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 tremendous 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."
Eduardo and Elaine Saverin
The family office of Eduardo and Elaine Saverin is also set to play a notable role in this minority investment.
Eduardo gained widespread recognition as a co-founder of Facebook — a profile further elevated by the film The Social Network, in which he was portrayed by Andrew Garfield. His wife, Elaine Saverin, is expected to join Bhatia on the board.
Bryan Baum
Bezos's connection to this deal runs through K5 Sports, though it is the organization's co-founder and managing partner, Bryan Baum, who will occupy a seat on Liverpool's board.
Baum is described on his company's website as an "experienced entrepreneur" and was featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2014, following his co-founding of Prizeo — a startup that partnered with celebrities to raffle off "once-in-a-lifetime prizes" in support of charitable causes.