A consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has purchased nearly 40% of Liverpool Football Club from Fenway Sports Group (FSG), according to reports.
The investment, made through a group named 1892 Holdings after the club's founding year, represents a significant minority stake. While initially reported as about a third, the stake is approximately 38%.
The deal also includes an option for the consortium to acquire a controlling interest in the club within the next 12 months, although this does not constitute a formal commitment. FSG confirmed on Friday that it had entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of a strategic minority investment to 1892 Holdings.
The consortium is led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, who is set to become Liverpool's vice-chairman and join an expanded board, pending regulatory approval. Bhatia previously served as a director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for 18 years before relinquishing his stake in that club last month.
The transaction is understood to place Liverpool's valuation between £5 billion and £6 billion.