US-based Friedkin Group’s arm Roundhouse Capital Holdings Ltd has completed the takeover of Everton Football Club, according to a statement from the Premier League club Thursday.
Takeover of Premier League club
The deal for a 98.8% stake in the Liverpool club was finalized following an agreement between Farhad Moshiri’s Blue Heaven Holdings (BHH) and Roundhouse.
Despite a challenging geopolitical backdrop, Everton has achieved a significant amount over the last couple of years, including the delivery of a new sporting department, the stabilization of its finances, and the delivery of an iconic new stadium, said billionaire Farhad Moshiri, the outgoing majority shareholder.
“I now hand over to new owners confident in the outlook for the club and that our incredible fans will see the success on the pitch that they so thoroughly deserve,” added Moshiri.
Everton has now become the 10th English top-flight outfit under majority American ownership, with the Premier League saying the Friedkin Group (IFG) had purchased a majority stake in the Liverpool club.
Everton said all necessary regulatory approvals from the Premier League, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority have been received to complete the transaction.
Due to recent changes to the Premier League’s shareholder loan regulations, Everton took proactive steps before the transaction’s completion, including raising the club’s share capital to convert outstanding debt owed to BHH into equity, thereby facilitating additional equity investment from Roundhouse.
Crucial quote
“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,” said Marc Watts, the incoming executive chairman of Everton Football Club.
Governing body
Billionaire Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of the Friedkin Group 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.
Priorities
The key priorities of Friedkin Group now include strengthening the men’s first-team squad through thoughtful and strategic investment and cultivating home-grown superstars through Everton’s Academy.
Net worths
Friedkin has a real-time net worth of $7.8 billion as of December 19, 2024, while Moshiri has a net wealth $2.8 billion, according to Forbes estimates.
