In a significant development, Everton Football Club is poised to welcome a new wave of minority shareholders alongside Dan Friedkin, who is currently in exclusive talks with current owner Farhad Moshiri to finalize his full takeover of the club. The Premier League is expected to ratify the deal once the finer points are ironed out.
Friedkin’s takeover is a significant milestone in Everton’s history, marking a new chapter in the club’s development. The American businessman has a reputation for his astute business acumen and passion for football, which has endeared him to the Everton faithful.
The current ownership structure of Everton is complex, with Moshiri holding 94.1% of the club’s shares. The remaining equity is owned by over 2,000 individual shareholders, including the late Bill Kenwright’s estate, which accounts for around three-quarters of the total non-Moshiri shares. However, shares are rarely traded, and the club’s financial landscape is about to change dramatically.
Asset Match, a private equity group, is set to launch an auction of Everton shares from July 18, which will be the first public auction since October 2023. The auction is expected to generate significant interest, with the club’s valuation estimated at £499.5 million.
While the new shareholders will not have significant control over the day-to-day business of the club, their investment will provide a much-needed injection of capital. The Everton Shareholders Association, a group that represents the interests of minority shareholders, will also have a greater say in the club’s affairs.
Friedkin’s takeover is expected to be completed within the next one or two months, although no specific timeline has been outlined. The American businessman has already demonstrated his commitment to the club by setting a budget for the summer transfer window, despite the restrictive PSR environment.
Everton fans can expect a new era of stability and growth under Friedkin’s ownership. The club’s financial future looks brighter than ever, and the prospect of new investors coming on board is a significant boost. As the transfer window heats up, Everton is poised to make some significant signings, and the future looks bright for the Toffees.