A consortium including Jeff Bezos has acquired a 38% stake in Liverpool, with an option to purchase a controlling interest within the next year.
Key facts
- •1892 Holdings acquired a 38% stake in Liverpool for just over £2 billion.
- •The deal values Liverpool at approximately £5.5 billion.
- •Fenway Sports Group bought Liverpool in 2010 for £300 million.
- •Jeff Bezos invested in the consortium through the K5 Sports fund.
- •The agreement gives 1892 Holdings an option to buy a controlling stake within 12 months.
The investment group 1892 Holdings has acquired a 38% stake in Liverpool Football Club, valuing the club at approximately £5.5 billion. The deal, which saw the consortium pay just over £2 billion to Fenway Sports Group (FSG), includes an agreement granting 1892 Holdings the right of first refusal to become the majority shareholder should FSG choose to sell or reduce its stake within the next 12 months.
By the numbers
Consortium composition and board representation
The consortium is led by Amit Bhatia and includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who invested through the K5 Sports fund, and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. Bryan Baum, co-founder of K5 Global, will join an expanded Liverpool board alongside Bhatia, who serves as vice-chair, and Elaine Saverin. Bhatia’s investment was supported by the Mittal Family Trust.
FSG stance on ownership
Fenway Sports Group, which purchased Liverpool in 2010 for £300 million, maintains that the current deal is not part of an exit strategy. The organization retains operational control of the club and has stated that the agreement with 1892 Holdings is an option for the investor rather than a formal commitment to sell further shares.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Football.
