Liverpool to sell minority stake to consortium including Jeff Bezos

A ‌‌consortium which includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has reached a ⁠⁠definitive agreement ⁠⁠to buy a minority stake in Liverpool FC, the Premier League club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group has announced.

The consortium, named 1892 Holdings, is led by former Queens Park Rangers chairman Amit Bhatia and also includes the Mittal Family Trusts, EE Capital and the K5 Sports ‌‌fund, where Bezos is the lead investor.

“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,” FSG president Mike Gordon said in a statement on Friday.

“Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place and we ⁠⁠look forward to working together.”

A source ⁠⁠familiar with the matter told the Reuters news agency that the stake is about one-third. FSG, the US multinational sports company which bought Liverpool in 2010, will maintain the majority ⁠⁠share and operational control of the club.

Bhatia will become ⁠⁠the club’s new vice chairman and join the expanded board, along with Elaine Saverin from EE Capital and Bryan Baum from K5 Sports. Bezos will not have ⁠⁠a seat on the board, according to Reuters.

“To be welcomed as a partner in ⁠⁠a club of this stature is a ⁠⁠huge privilege,” 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.”

Liverpool, who have been English champions a joint-record 20 times, finished fifth in the Premier League last season. ‌‌

They ‌‌will start the new campaign at Newcastle United on August 23 with new manager Andoni Iraola.