Fenway Sports Group (FSG) on Saturday announced that a consortium led by Indian-origin businessman Amit Bhatia, with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos among its investors and backing from the Mittal Family Trusts associated with billionaire Lakshmi Mittal's family, has acquired a minority equity stake in Liverpool Football Club.
The strategic investment by 1892 Holdings is aimed at supporting the Premier League club's long-term growth both on and off the pitch, while leaving FSG firmly in control of the club.
The consortium also includes K5 Sports. Bhatia leads the newly formed investment group, while Bezos is involved as the lead investor in the K5 Sports Fund.
EE Capital, the family office of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Elaine Saverin, has also participated in the investment, bringing together investors from the worlds of global business, technology and finance.
Despite the deal, there will be no major change to Liverpool's ownership structure. FSG will retain majority ownership, operational control and overall control of the club, with the new investors set to work alongside the existing leadership.
The consortium and FSG will explore opportunities aimed at supporting Liverpool's growth and strengthening its position among Europe's leading football clubs.
"Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club's long-term interests in mind," said FSG president Mike Gordon.
"That approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders around the world," he added.
Gordon said the new investors shared FSG's long-term approach and understood the values that underpin Liverpool.
"As we considered this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium shared our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special," Gordon said. "Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together," he added.
Bhatia, speaking on behalf of 1892 Holdings, said the consortium was proud to invest in the club alongside FSG.
"We are incredibly proud to be investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG," he said. "We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield."
FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 and has remained the club's majority owner since then. The latest investment gives Liverpool access to a new group of high-profile global investors while preserving FSG's existing ownership and control.
