Bezos-Backed Consortium Holds About 38% of Liverpool After FSG Deal

A consortium led by businessman Amit Bhatia has acquired about 38% of Liverpool Football Club from Fenway Sports Group, BBC Sport reported on Tuesday. The figure is substantially larger than the roughly 30% stake discussed when the transaction was announced, although FSG remains the Premier League club’s controlling owner.

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FSG confirmed on Friday that it had entered a definitive agreement to sell a minority interest in Liverpool to 1892 Holdings. The consortium is led and managed by Bhatia, the former Queens Park Rangers co-owner who is set to become Liverpool’s vice-chairman. The agreement brought to a conclusion talks that FSG had publicly acknowledged in July.

The investor group includes Bhatia and Mittal family trusts, K5 Sports and EE Capital. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is a principal investor in the K5 Sports fund, while EE Capital is the family office of Elaine and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. Bezos is therefore participating through an investment vehicle rather than purchasing the club through Amazon.

BBC Sport said sources with knowledge of the deal placed 1892 Holdings’ stake at approximately 38%. The report also said the terms include an option that could allow the consortium to acquire a controlling interest within the next 12 months. That possibility has not changed the immediate ownership position: Boston-based FSG continues to hold the majority stake.

FSG bought Liverpool for £300 million in 2010 and also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox. When announcing the agreement, FSG president Mike Gordon said the consortium shared the ownership group’s long-term philosophy and appreciation of the club. The parties did not disclose a final transaction price in the announcement.

The size of the new holding gives 1892 Holdings a significant role in Liverpool’s ownership structure without amounting to a takeover. Any future move to control the club would depend on the reported option being exercised and the relevant approval process. For now, the confirmed development is a major minority investment, with Bhatia taking a senior boardroom position while FSG retains control.