Everton have released a statement confirming the Friedkin Group have completed their purchase of the club.
A deal was agreed between the former AS Roma owners to acquire the Toffees back in September, but concerns and speculation had grown due to the prolonged wait for the deal to be rubber stamped with fans anxious to see an end to Farhad Moshiri‘s ownership.
But the takeover has now been finalised, bringing the troubled reign of Moshiri to an end, with Sean Dyche’s side currently 16th in the Premier League, just three points clear of the relegation zone.
In a statement, Everton said: “Everton Football Club has been acquired by Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited (Roundhouse), an entity within The Friedkin Group (TFG). The transaction was finalised following an agreement between Farhad Moshiri’s Blue Heaven Holdings (BHH) and Roundhouse for the sale of BHH’s majority stake in the club.
“The deal received the necessary regulatory approvals from the Premier League, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority.”
Marc Watts, incoming executive chairman at Everton, said: “Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club. We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch.
“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.”
Farhad Moshiri, the outgoing majority shareholder, said: “I truly believe that the transaction with The Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the club and its future success. There has been a huge team effort in getting to this stage and I would like to personally thank my board colleagues John Spellman and Colin Chong and all the senior management team including Katie, James, Richard and of course Kevin and Sean for their huge commitment to the club.
“Despite a challenging geopolitical backdrop, a significant amount has been achieved over the last couple of years including the delivery of a new sporting department, the stabilisation of our finances and the delivery of our iconic new stadium. 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.”
Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of TFG, is proposed to be chairman of the board. Everton confirmed he has appointed 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.
Everton said additional appointments will be made in the coming weeks. The statement continued: “TFG’s vision for Everton Football Club focuses on building a sustainable and successful future. Key priorities include:
“Strengthening the men’s first-team squad through thoughtful and strategic investment. Cultivating home-grown superstars through Everton’s Academy.
“Fostering a distinct on-pitch and commercial strategy for the women’s team. Respecting the club’s traditions and keeping Everton at the heart of the community.
“Maximising the potential of the new stadium through long-term commercial partnerships and events that benefit the city of Liverpool. Enhancing Everton’s reputation as a unique and historical name in world football.”
Explaining the protracted process, the statement further continued: “In view of recent changes to the Premier League’s shareholder loan regulations, Everton took proactive steps prior to the transaction’s completion. These included increasing the club’s share capital to convert outstanding debt owed to BHH into equity, thereby facilitating additional equity investment from Roundhouse.
“With this acquisition, TFG is committed to delivering a strong and sustainable future for Everton Football Club, restoring its competitive stature and maintaining its deep connection with fans and the community. Nil satis nisi optimum.”
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