FSG Agrees Minority Investment In Liverpool FC With 1892 Holdings Consortium
Fenway Sports Group has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a minority equity stake in Liverpool FC to 1892 Holdings, a consortium led and managed by Amit Bhatia.
The strategic investment is designed to support Liverpool’s long-term growth ambitions, with the consortium bringing together experience across global business, technology and investment. FSG will retain majority ownership and operational control of the club.
While FSG has not publicly disclosed the exact size of the stake, the investment has been described as a long-term partnership rather than a change in control. The club’s leadership structure and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged.
1892 Holdings includes investments from Amit Bhatia and the Mittal Family Trusts, K5 Sports, a K5 Global Fund with Jeff Bezos as lead investor in that fund, and EE Capital, the family office of Elaine and Eduardo Saverin.
FSG said the investment will allow the club to explore opportunities that support its objectives on and off the pitch, while maintaining the ownership model that has been in place under the group’s stewardship.
Mike Gordon, FSG president, said Liverpool had always been built by “thinking beyond one season” and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind.
He added: “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. Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.”
Amit Bhatia, who served as vice-chairman and chairman at QPR until stepping down from the club’s board in July this year and transferring his ownership, said on behalf of 1892 Holdings, that the consortium was “incredibly proud” to be investing in Liverpool and working alongside FSG.
“We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield,” Bhatia said. “We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”
Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, Bhatia is expected to become vice chairman of Liverpool FC and join the club’s expanded board. Elaine Saverin of EE Capital and Bryan Baum of K5 Sports are also expected to join the board, while Jeff Bezos will not hold a board seat.
The parties said the deal does not alter Liverpool’s transfer strategy, football philosophy or approach to budget-setting, with sporting decisions continuing to be led by the club’s football operation and aligned with applicable financial sustainability rules.
Corestone Capital Advisors introduced the parties and facilitated their engagement in connection with the transaction. Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP advised FSG and Liverpool FC, with support from Deloitte, while Latham & Watkins LLP advised 1892 Holdings. PricewaterhouseCoopers and Moelis & Company provided support and advisory services.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton advised the K5 Sports fund and its lead investor, while Clifford Chance LLP advised EE Capital.
