Everton Football Club, a Premier League team, is currently the center of attention as a consortium of international investors, including a member of the Saudi royal family, has made a staggering £400 million offer to buy the club. This bid comes after Farhad Moshiri, who currently holds a 94% stake in Everton, agreed to sell his shares to 777 Partners in September. However, the deal fell through, presenting an opportunity for other potential buyers to enter the scene.
Among those vying for ownership are local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing, as well as MSP Sports Capital, who have previously lent Everton around £158 million. They have all submitted bids and are now in a period of exclusivity, awaiting the outcome of their proposals.
Leading one of the bids is London-based businessman and lawyer Vatche Manoukian, who is collaborating with an unnamed Saudi royal and wealthy families from the United States. Their bid stands out as an all-equity offer, which means they would not take on additional debt. Instead, they plan to implement a sustainable, long-term strategy for the club. Manoukian and his consortium firmly believe that Everton has the potential to become a powerhouse in English football once again. They see the club as a “sleeping giant” and are particularly optimistic about the opportunities presented by the new stadium being built on Bramley-Moore Dock.
Vatche Manoukian, 45, is a partner at tech investment firm IMS Digital Ventures and is backed by Australia’s Myer family. His bid faces competition from other notable figures, including Roma owner Dan Friedkin, Michael Dell of Dell Technologies, and Kenneth King of investment firm A-Cap.
The interest in Everton comes in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s successful takeover of Newcastle United in October 2021. The £305 million deal, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has sparked renewed interest in Premier League clubs and their potential for investment.
While the potential sale of Everton has generated excitement among fans, the club’s fan advisory board (FAB) has sent an open letter to prospective buyers, emphasizing the importance of “open, transparent, and regular engagement” with supporters. The FAB, having witnessed the prolonged takeover attempt by 777 Partners, is urging any future process to be concluded in a much shorter timeframe. The board hopes that any new ownership will prioritize nurturing and investing in the club while recognizing its heritage, sustainability, creativity, and commercial potential.
As the bidding process unfolds, it remains to be seen who will emerge as the new owner of Everton Football Club. Regardless of the outcome, it is evident that the interest in the club highlights its significant potential for growth and success. Everton’s rich history and the development of their new stadium make it an attractive investment opportunity in English football. Fans eagerly await updates and hope for an ownership that will bring prosperity while prioritizing their engagement and interests.