Liverpool: Consortium led by Amit Bhatia in talks for minority stake
Discussions for a Minority Stake
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool Football Club, are engaged in discussions regarding the sale of a minority stake in the club. A consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment. This development follows Bhatia’s recent departure from his roles as director and co-owner at QPR, where he had served for 18 seasons.
FSG confirmed that an investment consortium, managed and represented by Bhatia, has shown interest in acquiring a minority stake. While talks are underway, the deal has not yet been finalised. If successful, this investment would mirror a previous agreement in 2023 when FSG sold a minority stake in Liverpool to the global sports investment firm Dynasty.
According to reports, a deal with Bhatia’s consortium could value Liverpool at more than $6bn (£4.5bn). FSG initially acquired Liverpool in 2010 for £300m, at a time when the club faced potential administration.
Who is Amit Bhatia?
Amit Bhatia is a former investment banker who transitioned into entrepreneurship. He has established businesses in construction, real estate, and private equity. One of his construction companies, founded when he was 32, is now described as the largest independent building materials business in the UK, employing over 5,000 individuals. His real estate firm is involved in building homes, student housing, and offices across the country.
Bhatia, a Londoner aged 46, received the young entrepreneur of the year award in 2013. He also serves on the advisory board for the Saudi Arabian government’s cultural affairs and international relations unit. His connection to QPR was significant, with a stand at Loftus Road bearing his surname. He resigned from his leadership roles at QPR on Tuesday, after 19 years with the club, stating that QPR had been a deeply important part of his and his family’s life.
Bhatia is the son-in-law of Indian billionaire businessman Lakshmi Mittal. He married Vanisha Mittal Bhatia in 2004 in a six-day ceremony in France, which was recognised by Guinness World Records as the most expensive at the time, costing over $55m (£41m). Lakshmi Mittal’s net worth has been estimated at more than $30bn (£22bn), with the Mittal family managing assets of £16bn.
Liverpool’s Ownership Strategy
FSG indicated in 2022 that they were open to new investment in Liverpool, including potential minority shareholders or a full sale. They stated that they would consider new shareholders under the right terms and conditions if it aligned with the club’s best interests. While a full sale did not materialise, the 2023 agreement with Dynasty, valued between £82m and £164m, was seen by FSG as a way to offset bank debt from infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of the Main Stand, Anfield Road end, and the club’s Kirkby training ground.
At the time of the Dynasty deal, FSG president Mike Gordon affirmed the group’s long-term commitment to Liverpool, aiming to strengthen the club’s financial position and support its ambitions for continued success. Subsequently, FSG explored the possibility of acquiring a second club in continental Europe to expand its portfolio, following a multi-club model similar to those adopted by the owners of Chelsea and Manchester City.
However, after examining potential purchases, including Spanish clubs Malaga and Getafe and French club Bordeaux, FSG did not proceed with any of these deals and is now understood to have moved away from the multi-club model. This decision reportedly led to the departure of Michael Edwards last month, who had been rehired by FSG to lead the multi-club project. Richard Hughes, the current sporting director, is managing the club’s transfer strategy this summer and has a contract until summer 2027.
John W Henry, Liverpool’s principal owner, has maintained a lower public profile regarding club matters since acknowledging his involvement in the European Super League project in 2021. Meanwhile, Liverpool is currently in the US for a pre-season tour under new head coach Andoni Iraola, with a game against Sunderland scheduled in Nashville on Saturday.
Read Also
- Tributes pour in for Kevin Keegan, celebrated as a football great
- Liverpool reach agreement to sign Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional
- Lamine Yamal displays sign referencing World Cup final altercation during Spain's celebration
- Leeds: SunRisers secure win against MI London, but Kate Cross fitness in doubt
Source: bbc.co.uk
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
