Prospective new Liverpool vice-chairman Amit Bhatia has backed the leadership of Fenway Sports Group after heading the consortium that has agreed an investment understood to be worth around £1.4 billion in the Reds.
Bhatia, a former director at Queens Park Rangers, is the lead figure and manager of 1892 Holdings, the group that has negotiated the purchase of a 30% minority equity stake in the Anfield outfit.
The consortium consists of investments from Bhatia and the Mittal Family Trusts, the K5 Sports fund for whom Amazon chief Jeff Bezos is the lead investor, and EE Capital, the family office of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and his wife Elaine.
Bhatia's role and consortium details
Bhatia has acted as the primary partner to FSG throughout the process and has been working closely with the Reds owners for some time. Once the investment deal has been approved, he will become Liverpool's new vice-chairman and join a newly-expanded board that also includes Elaine Saverin of EE Capital and Bryan Baum from K5 Sports.
Speaking on behalf of 1892 Holdings, Bhatia said: “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. 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.”
FSG retains control
Despite the mammoth investment, Liverpool's day-to-day running will remain unchanged with Mike Gordon, the FSG president, retaining control of the football operation.
Gordon said: “Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind.
“That approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders around the world. 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.
“Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.”
