Everton Confirm The Friedkin Group Takeover!
- Spirit of The News
- Dec 19, 2024
- 3 min read
Everton has confirmed that The Friedkin Group has become the new club’s majority shareholder after purchasing Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% share.
The Texas-based businesses are a privately held consortium of businesses and investments in the automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports, and adventure industries, with their main additions within their portfolio consisting of Italian giants AS Roma, who travelled to face Everton in a pre-season friendly with the final score being 1-1.
The Friedkin Group’s owner is Dan Friedkin, an American businessman and film producer who took over the role of running the group when his father (Thomas H. Friedkin) became 65, handing over the firm to Dan, whilst Thomas remained chairman. The president of the group is Marc Watts, who will be leading the Everton board alongside other representatives.
TFG was founded in 1969, soon becoming the world’s largest distributor of Toyota cars. In the present day, over 15 top-class companies are included.
Dan Friedkin and his team decided to purchase ex-Everton owner’s 94.1% share back in September 2024, for a price in excess of £400m. This all followed after competition from two other investors, John Textor and 777. Textor is another football club owner, Lyon, in the French top division. However, Lyon has been handed a provisional relegation from Ligue 1 due to financial issues due to debts rising from €458m to a whopping €508m! 777 Partners are involved in a lot of football clubs: Genoa C.F.C. in Italy, Vasco da Gama in Brazil, Hertha BSC in Germany, Standard de Liege in Belgium, Red Star FC in France, Sevilla FC in Spain, and Melbourne Victory FC in Australia. After going into a period of exclusivity, and no agreement being final, Everton sent a club statement that read: “The agreement between 777 Partners and Blue Heaven Holdings Limited for the sale and purchase of the majority shareholding in the club expired today.”
Now in charge, The Friedkin Group has a lot of work to do. A huge number of players are out of contract come the end of the 2024/25 season, as well as doubt on Sean Dyche’s future and his backroom staff. As the Toffees move into their new 52,888 capacity stadium at the end of the campaign, the future is looking brighter for Everton, and after a few uncomfortable years under the leadership of Frank Lampard, Rafa Benitez, and Sean Dyche, all lingering just above the relegation zone, Everton fans will be more than pleased.
Awful finance records causing point deductions from the Premier League will all come to a stop as TFG has covered all the debt stacked up over the years, leaving Everton moving into Bramley Moore-Dock with no money owed to anyone.
It is expected that Farhad Moshiri will be in attendance at Goodison Park as the Blues host Chelsea on Sunday at 14:00 to wish his farewells.
Farhad Moshiri Statement to Evertonians:
“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 Statement to Evertonians:
Dear Evertonians,
Following the completion of the takeover of Everton Football Club, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and introduce the incoming Executive Chairman of Everton, Marc Watts.
I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, The Friedkin Group. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.
The Friedkin Group is a diverse family of companies with a global footprint spanning industries such as sports, automotive, entertainment, hospitality, and adventure. Across all our endeavours, we strive to deliver extraordinary experiences that ignite people’s passions. We are thrilled to bring this ethos to Everton and the Liverpool City Region.
Whilst we are new to the Club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world. We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.
Once again, thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Dan Friedkin
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