Liverpool FC's owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), has confirmed the sale of a 30% stake in the club to a consortium that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. The deal is understood to be worth £1.65bn, which values Liverpool at £5.5bn.
Amit Bhatia, who initiated and led talks on behalf of the 1892 Holdings consortium, will become the club's new vice-chairman on an expanded board. Bhatia's consortium has received financial backing from the Mittal Family Trust, the K5 Sports fund (with Bezos as lead investor), and EE Capital, the family office of Elaine and Eduardo Saverin.
Elaine Saverin and Bryan Baum will also join the Liverpool board, though Bezos is considered a passive investor and will not have a board seat. FSG will maintain operational control and remain majority owners of the club.
The investment is subject to regulatory approval, which could take up to 90 days. FSG states the deal will not affect Liverpool's transfer budget or strategy for this summer, nor will it change the club's leadership or day-to-day running.