Liverpool: FSG in talks for minority stake sale to Amit Bhatia consortium
A consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in acquiring a minority stake in Liverpool Football Club. The club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have confirmed discussions regarding a potential strategic minority investment.
Bhatia, a former investment banker, was previously a director and co-owner at QPR for 18 seasons before transferring his share of the club on Tuesday. His consortium has engaged advisors to work on a potential deal with FSG.
Potential Investment Structure
The proposed investment from Bhatia’s consortium is understood to follow a similar structure to a deal FSG made in 2023. In that instance, FSG sold a minority stake in Liverpool to the global sports investment firm Dynasty Equity.
That 2023 agreement was valued at between £82m and £164m, with the funds used to help offset bank debt from infrastructure projects. These projects included redevelopments of the Main Stand, the Anfield Road end, and the club’s Kirkby training ground. The investment from Dynasty Equity was not intended to fund future player transfers.
According to the Financial Times, a deal with the consortium led by Bhatia could value Liverpool at more than $6bn (£4.5bn). FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 for £300m when the club faced potential administration.
Amit Bhatia’s Background
Amit Bhatia, 46, has a background as an investment banker with Morgan Stanley before transitioning to entrepreneurship. He has established businesses in construction, real estate, and private equity.
His construction company, founded when he was 32, is now described as the largest independent building materials business in the UK, employing over 5,000 people. His real estate firm develops homes, student housing, and offices across the country. Bhatia was recognised with the young entrepreneur of the year award in 2013 and serves on the advisory board for the Saudi Arabian government’s cultural affairs and international relations unit.
Bhatia’s connection to QPR saw a stand at Loftus Road named after him. During his tenure, the club achieved promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in the 2010/11 season, spending the subsequent four seasons between the two leagues. His departure from the QPR board and ownership occurred on Tuesday.
He is married to Vanisha Mittal Bhatia, daughter of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, whose net worth has been estimated at more than £22bn. The Mittal family also purchased a majority stake in the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
FSG’s Ownership Strategy
FSG first indicated in 2022 that it was open to new investment in Liverpool, considering either minority shareholders or a full sale. At the time, FSG stated it frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders and would consider new shareholders if it aligned with the club’s best interests.
While a full sale did not materialise, FSG president Mike Gordon affirmed the group’s long-term commitment to Liverpool during the 2023 deal with Dynasty Equity. He stated the aim was to strengthen the club’s financial position and support ambitions for continued success.
FSG had explored the possibility of acquiring a second club in continental Europe to expand its portfolio, following a multi-club model. This involved examining potential purchases of Spanish sides Malaga and Getafe, and French club Bordeaux. However, FSG did not proceed with these deals and is now understood to have moved away from this 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. Current sporting director Richard Hughes is managing the club’s transfer strategy this summer and has a contract lasting until summer 2027.
Liverpool principal owner John W Henry has maintained a lower public profile regarding club matters since apologising for his role in the European Super League project in 2021.
An FSG spokesperson confirmed the ongoing talks regarding a potential minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.
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Source: bbc.com
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
