Per a report from Simon Hughes of The Athletic: 1892 Holdings, the group that bought a 38% stake in FSG earlier this summer, has at least two options to eventually increase its stake to 69% (nice) or complete a full takeover of the club within twelve months. This will depend on ratification as a part-owner by the Independent Football Regulator (IFR).
The group is led by Amit Bhatia, who has been appointed Liverpool’s vice-chairman and has been seen at a few games this season, and also includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Jeff Bezos’ K5 Global sports fund, which is also the biggest investor in 1892. Subject to IFR approval, 1892 Holdings’ investment in Liverpool is worth more than £ 2 billion (around $2.6bn–$2.7bn).
This arrangement with FSG might point towards a takeover in stages, allowing Bhatia’s group to familiarise itself with the challenges of running one of English football’s most famous clubs before taking on more responsibility incrementally.
With reports that FSG is one of the bidders looking to buy a stake in the Cadillac Formula 1 team, valued at over $3bn, it looks like FSG might be ready to divest and put their money elsewhere.
I have mixed feelings about all this. Despite the constant moaning about FSG’s rather conservative approach in the transfer market, they’ve been responsible stewards of the club and have invested heavily in its infrastructure. I’ve never felt unsure about the club’s future with them at the helm. That all is potentially up in the air with new ownership, which seems inevitable at this point.