Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has put Liverpool up for sale.
A complete sales presentation was created for interested parties.
FSG has looked for opportunities in the past but decided against pursuing them. It’s unclear if a deal will ultimately materialize, but FSG is inviting offers.
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have been hired to assist in the process.
A statement to The Athletic from FSG, which also owns the Boston Red Sox, said: “There have been a number of ownership changes and rumors of ownership changes at EPL clubs in recent times and inevitably we are regularly asked about Fenway Sports ownership Group asked Liverpool.
“FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties wishing to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG have previously said that given the right conditions, we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.
“FSG remains fully committed to Liverpool’s success, both on and off the pitch.”
The group have owned Liverpool since October 2010 when they bought the club from George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks.
During this period, Liverpool appointed Jurgen Klopp as manager. They won their first Premier League title in 2019-20, which was also their first championship in 30 years. They also conquered the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League.
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During FSG ownership, Anfield was revamped with a new £110m Main Stand whilst the Anfield Road Stand is being redeveloped. This £80m project will be completed next summer, increasing capacity to around 61,000.
FSG have also overseen the club’s move from Melwood to a new £50m training facility in Kirkby.
It is principally owned by John W. Henry, who was one of two founders alongside chairman Tom Werner. FSG also owns the Red Sox, television network NESN, 50 percent of Roush Fenway Racing and Fenway Sports Management.
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FSG sold an 11 per cent stake in the company to RedBird Capital Partners for US$750m (£655m) last year and subsequently acquired a majority stake in top-flight NHL hockey team Pittsburgh Penguins.
There were elements of controversy regarding FSG’s ownership of the club. In 2019 they faced criticism after the club tried to protect the Liverpool name, with supporters group Spirit of Shankly campaigning against the move.
Liverpool were also one of six Premier League sides to sign for the failed European Super League last year. After protests, they withdrew from the project. Henry publicly apologized to fans.
Speaking to The Athletic in May, Werner insisted FSG were going nowhere. He said: “Yes, we still see it as a long-term project. We are hungry to win more trophies for the club.”
The most recent acquisition of a major Premier League team was the Todd Boehly-led £2.5bn buyout of Chelsea.
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(Photo: Getty Images)