Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have agreed to sell around a third of the club to a consortium that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
FSG confirmed it had reached a definitive agreement with 1892 Holdings for a strategic minority investment.
The consortium is led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia and also includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, while Bezos is investing through venture capital firm K5 Sports.
Bhatia, who previously held a stake in Queens Park Rangers, is set to become Liverpool’s vice-chairman and join the club’s expanded board, subject to regulatory approval.
Bezos, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals with an estimated fortune of $256 billion, will not take a seat on the Liverpool board. However, K5 Sports founder Bryan Baum will join the board, alongside Saverin’s wife, Elaine.
The deal reportedly values Liverpool at between £5 billion and £6 billion.
Despite the significant investment, the agreement will not change FSG’s position as Liverpool’s majority owner. The American ownership group will retain operational control of the club.
There will also be no immediate impact on Liverpool’s transfer strategy. BBC Sport reports that the investment does not come with a new or separate transfer budget.
FSG said the agreement would support Liverpool’s long-term growth by bringing together expertise from global business, technology and investment.
The consortium will work with FSG and Liverpool’s leadership to explore opportunities aimed at strengthening the club both on and off the pitch.
FSG purchased Liverpool for £300 million in 2010 and has previously sold a minority stake in the club to sports investment firm Dynasty Equity.
The latest agreement represents another significant change in Liverpool’s ownership structure, while FSG remains firmly in control of the club.
