The Friedkin Group, a Texas-based investment firm, has completed a 98.8% takeover of Everton, bringing the renowned Premier League club into its extensive portfolio, which already includes Italian side Roma. This acquisition puts an end to a long period of uncertainty for Everton, a club with a rich history of nine English championships but no major trophies since 1995, despite being a consistent presence in the top flight since 1954.
The Friedkin Group is led by Dan Friedkin and his son Ryan, who have made significant investments across various industries, including automotive, entertainment, hospitality, and sports. Their fortune was initially built through the distribution of Toyotas in Texas. The group takes over from Farhad Moshiri’s Blue Heaven Holdings, which had been Everton’s majority shareholder.
Marc Watts, who will serve as the club’s new executive chairman, described the acquisition as a proud moment for the group, stating, “Today marks a historic day as The Friedkin Group takes on the responsibility of this iconic football club. We are committed to ushering Everton into a new era of success, both on and off the field.”
The deal was finalized through Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, a subsidiary within the Friedkin Group. After undergoing the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test, the purchase was approved, with terms of the sale having been agreed upon in September.
Currently sitting 16th in the Premier League standings, Everton now becomes the 10th top-flight club in England to be majority-owned by American investors. The Liverpool-based team, which will depart Goodison Park for a new stadium at the end of the season, is set to face Chelsea in their next league match on Sunday.
