British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia leads landmark investment in Liverpool FC

Liverpool: Premier League club Liverpool FC has entered into a "definitive agreement" to sell a minority equity stake to a consortium led and managed by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos among the prominent investors.

The 46-year-old Bhatia, son-in-law of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, heads and manages 1892 Holdings, which incorporates K5 Sports, a K5 Global fund featuring Bezos as its lead investor, along with EE Capital, the family office of Elaine and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.

"Fenway Sports Group (FSG), a global sports, media, entertainment and real estate company, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of a minority equity stake in Liverpool FC to 1892 Holdings," a club statement read.

Existing owners Fenway Sports Group, however, will maintain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool, with the strategic investment aimed at supporting the club's long-term growth ambitions.

"We are incredibly proud to be investing in Liverpool Football Club and to be doing so alongside FSG. We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield," Bhatia said in a statement.

"To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege. 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," he added.

FSG president Mike Gordon stated that the consortium shared the group's long-term philosophy and appreciation of Liverpool's identity.

"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.

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

The deal unites leading figures across international business and technology sectors, including Bezos, Saverin, and the Mittal family.=

Boston-based FSG purchased Liverpool in 2010 for £300 million and has overseen a period of significant success, including the club's Premier League title win in 2020 and its sixth Champions League triumph in 2019.

PTI