The owners of English football club Liverpool have agreed to sell a minority stake to an investment consortium that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
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Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American owners of the 20-time English league champions, stated they reached an agreement with "1892 Holdings," an investment consortium led by British-Indian billionaire Amit Bhatia, which also includes Bezos alongside Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.
According to reports, the stake acquired by the consortium represents approximately one-third of the club.
Bezos is the world’s fourth-richest person, with an estimated net worth of around $256 billion.
Bezos is not expected to join Liverpool’s expanded board of directors, which will include Bhatia as the club’s vice-chairman, according to reports.
However, American Brian Baum, founder of venture capital firm "K5 Sports"—which Bezos is using to invest in Liverpool—is a candidate to join the club’s board alongside Saverin’s wife, Elaine.
Mike Gordon, President of Fenway Sports Group, said on Friday: "Liverpool has always been built on looking beyond a single season and making decisions with the long-term interests of the club in mind. This approach continues to attract interest from highly respected investors and business leaders around the world."
He added: "When we explored this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium share the exact same long-term philosophy with us and an appreciation for what makes Liverpool a special club."
The deal is believed to value Liverpool at between £5 billion ($6.8 billion) and £6 billion.
With several weeks remaining before the Premier League summer transfer window closes, the new investment could provide a boost for Spanish manager Andoni Iraola as he seeks to bolster his squad ahead of the new season.
Bhatia possesses extensive experience in club management, having served as co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for 18 years before stepping away from the English Championship side after his link to Liverpool became public.
Bhatia said: "We are immensely proud to invest in Liverpool Football Club, and to do so alongside Fenway Sports Group. We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as stewards of the club and for all they have achieved at Anfield."
He added: "To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a great privilege. We make 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."
AFP
