Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is closing in on a deal to buy a stake of more than 30 per cent in Liverpool through a consortium led by entrepreneur Amit Bhatia, Sky News reports.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s controlling shareholder, could announce the deal as soon as this week. However, the announcement could also come next week.
The proposed investment would value Liverpool at around £4.4 billion ($6 billion). That would make the club one of the most valuable sports assets in the world.
Bezos joins Liverpool investment group
Bezos would join the investment group alongside Eduardo Saverin, one of Facebook’s co-founders.
Bhatia, 46, is leading the consortium. The British Indian entrepreneur has a background in investment banking.
He currently manages AyBe Capital, an investment firm that invests in technology, media, property, consumer retail and healthcare.
Bhatia is married to Vanisha Mittal Bhatia, the daughter of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal. He was also recently a shareholder in Championship club Queens Park Rangers.
Bezos founded Amazon in 1994. He also owns aerospace company Blue Origin and uses Nash Holdings as his investment vehicle for The Washington Post.
Forbes estimates Bezos’ fortune at more than £207 billion ($280 billion). Saverin, 44, reportedly has a fortune of more than £23.7 billion ($32 billion).
What the deal means for Liverpool
If completed, the transaction would bring three wealthy investors into Liverpool’s ownership group.
The potential investment also highlights the growing interest in Premier League clubs among wealthy investors.
However, some Liverpool supporters may have concerns about the deal.
Sky Sports’ analysis said: “It is massive for the future of Liverpool. We have to be careful, though. There may be a few supporters uneasy at the prospect of being part-owned by one of the richest men in the world.”
The analysis also said: “I would treat the development with some caution – until we hear why this group of investors want to invest in Liverpool. People invest because they want to make money.”
FSG set for major financial return
FSG bought Liverpool for about £300 million in 2010 when the club faced serious financial problems.
A £4.4 billion valuation would mark a huge increase in the club’s value during FSG’s ownership.
The last major investment in Liverpool came in 2023. Dynasty Equity bought a minority stake in the club, which valued Liverpool at more than £3.3 billion ($4.5 billion).
FSG confirmed last month that a consortium led, managed and represented by Bhatia had expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool.
FSG has declined to comment on the timing of the potential deal. A spokesperson for Bhatia’s consortium has also declined to comment.
Leave a Reply