Liverpool sell minority stake to investment group including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos

Liverpool have agreed to sell a minority stake in the club to 1892 Holdings, an investment group backed by a consortium that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

According to Sky Sports, 1892 Holdings has acquired one-third of Liverpool’s shares in a deal valued at £6bn, making it one of the richest transactions in the history of sport.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s majority owner, said it had reached a definitive agreement with 1892 Holdings. The consortium is led and managed by Amit Bhatia and includes investment from Bhatia, the Mittal family trusts, K5 Sports – the K5 Global fund – and EE Capital, the family office of Aileen and Eduardo Saverin.

Bezos is a key investor in K5 Sports, but will not join Liverpool’s board. Bhatia, according to Sky Sports, will become vice-chairman of the club.

FSG will retain its majority shareholding and operational control of Liverpool. The club said the strategic investment was designed to support its long-term growth by bringing together expertise from international business, technology and investment.

The new investment partners will work with FSG and Liverpool’s management team to assess opportunities that support the club’s objectives both on and off the pitch.

FSG president Mike Gordon said: “Liverpool Football Club has always been built on a foundation of thinking beyond a single season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind. This approach continues to attract the attention of highly respected investors and business leaders around the world.”

Speaking on behalf of 1892 Holdings, Bhatia said: “We are extremely proud to invest in Liverpool Football Club and to do so alongside Fenway Sports Group. We have the utmost respect and admiration for Fenway Sports Group as the club’s owners and for everything it has achieved at Anfield.”

Liverpool are scheduled to begin their Premier League campaign against Newcastle on 23 August.

Before that, they will face Italian side Como in a friendly on Sunday, 16 August, in their final preparation match.

Who are Bhatia and Bezos?

Bhatia is a 46-year-old British-Indian businessman with a background in investment banking. He currently runs AyBe Capital, a multi-asset investment company with interests across several sectors, including technology, media, property, consumer retail and healthcare.

Bezos is one of the world’s best-known business figures. He founded Amazon in 1994 from his garage in Seattle and remains the owner of the global e-commerce giant.

His other investments include Blue Origin, the aerospace company, and venture capital firm Nash Holdings, which owns The Washington Post.

The agreement gives Liverpool access to a group of investors with experience across technology, media, property and financial services, while leaving the club’s existing ownership structure intact. FSG continues to hold the controlling stake and will remain responsible for the club’s operations.