The Friedkin Group has struck a deal with Blue Heaven Holdings regarding the sale of Farhad Moshiri’s majority share in Everton, the Premier League club announced on Monday.
This news arrives two months after the Friedkin Group had called off their plans to acquire a majority share in the Merseyside club, having been given an exclusive negotiation period.
Owners of AS Roma, the Friedkin Group entered exclusive discussions to purchase a stake in Everton following a failed takeover agreement with 777 Partners.
“We are delighted to have reached an accord to become custodians of this storied football club,” said a spokesperson for the Friedkin Group in a statement.
“Our focus is now on obtaining the requisite approvals to finalise the transaction. We anticipate providing stability to the club and sharing our vision for its future, which includes the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”
The agreement is contingent upon approval from regulatory bodies, including the Premier League, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority, according to the club’s announcement. Dan and Ryan Friedkin stated that a possible acquisition of Everton would not divert their attention from Serie A club Roma.
Last week, the Italian club dismissed Roma legend Daniele De Rossi as head coach and replaced him with former Torino manager Ivan Juric. Roma CEO Lina Souloukou also resigned following fan outrage over De Rossi’s dismissal.
“The multi-club synergy will only benefit Roma. Every club in our portfolio operates autonomously, with AS Roma remaining central to our football aspirations,” Dan and Ryan Friedkin said in a statement featured on Roma’s website. “Be assured, our dedication of time, resources, and energy to Roma will remain unwavering. Our objective is clear – to have AS Roma consistently compete at the top tiers of European football…”
Last year, the Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners announced it had reached an agreement with British-Iranian billionaire Moshiri to acquire his 94.1% ownership in the club, in a deal reportedly valued at over £550 million ($733.10 million). Moshiri, once a shareholder in Arsenal, initially purchased a 49.9% stake in Everton in 2016. By January 2022, he had increased his ownership to 94.1% via a £100 million capital injection.
Everton narrowly avoided relegation last season after being penalised twice with points deductions for violating the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Nonetheless, they secured their top-flight status by finishing 15th, having won five of their last eight matches. Currently, they are second from the bottom of the table with just one point from five games.
