Friedkin Group seals deal to acquire Everton Football Club

The announcement comes two months after the Friedkin Group decided to withdraw its plans to acquire a controlling stake in the Merseyside club, following a period of exclusive negotiations.

The Friedkin Group, majority owners of AS Roma, was in exclusive talks to buy a stake in Everton after a takeover agreement with prospective owners 777 Partners fell through.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club,” a spokesperson for the Friedkin Group said in a statement.

“We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction. We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”

The deal is subject to regulatory approval, including from the Premier League, the Football Association and the Financial Conduct Authority, the club statement added.

Dan and Ryan Friedkin said that a potential addition of Everton to their portfolio would not alter their focus on Serie A club Roma.

Last week, the Italian side relieved Roma great Daniele De Rossi of his duties as head coach and appointed former Torino coach Ivan Juric as his replacement.

Roma CEO Lina Souloukou also stepped down following fan anger over the sacking of De Rossi.

“The multi-club symbiosis will only help Roma. Each club in our portfolio operates independently and AS Roma remains at the heart of our football ambitions,” Dan and Ryan Friedkin said in a statement published on Roma’s website.

“Rest assured, our commitment of time, resources, and energy to Roma will not be diminished. Our goal is clear – to see AS Roma consistently compete at the highest levels of European football...”

In 2023, Miami-based investment fund 777 Partners said it had signed an agreement with British-Iranian billionaire Moshiri to acquire his 94.1 per cent stake in the club in a deal reported to be worth more than £550 million (S$947 million).

Moshiri, a former Arsenal shareholder, first bought a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton in 2016. By January 2022, he had increased his stake to 94.1 per cent with a £100 million capital injection.

The takeover was initially expected to be closed by the end of 2023. However, it was delayed as 777 Partners reportedly struggled to meet the necessary conditions outlined by the Premier League to complete their purchase, before it fell through in June when the takeover agreement expired.

Everton flirted with relegation last season after having points deducted twice for breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

But they finished 15th after winning five of their last eight games to secure their top-flight status. They now sit second-bottom of the table with one point from five matches.