The Everton takeover saga takes another dramatic twist with Dan Friedkin emerging as “strong favourite” to buy the Toffees.
According to a report from The Athletic (14 June), The Friedkin Group, the Texas-based owner of Italian side AS Roma, will seriously consider whether to complete the deal in the next 24 hours.
It means Farhad Moshiri can expect to get a reply by the end of 15 June. Moshiri previously had an agreement with Miami-based private investment firm 777 Partners, but the deal was cancelled after they failed to meet the deadline of the purchase agreement.
The 59-year-old business tycoon, who is also the company’s chairman and CEO, has a net worth of £4.9 billion. Friedkin Group took control of AS Roma in 2020 and the Giallorossi have seen a marked improvement under him, having won the Europa Conference League in 2022.
What other options do Farhad Moshiri have?
At the moment, Moshiri has many offers on the table, and he must make a decision quickly. Given how complex the takeover process is, the sooner he reaches an agreement, the better for the Toffees.
According to a report from The Times, UK-based investor, Vici Private Finance has submitted a “concrete” offer to Moshiri and provided proof of having funds of about £1 billion in cash.
Furthermore, they have assured that the investment firm will not borrow any money to purchase Moshiri’s shares and have pledged to provide short-term funding before the completion of the deal to stabilise the club’s finances.
The Telegraph reported on 12 June that A-Cap are making moves to buy Moshiri’s shares. It was reported that A-Cap’s chief executive, Kenneth King, is in active talks with Moshiri, although their potential involvement has not gone down well among the fans.
London-based Armenian Vatche Manoukian has also tabled a £400 million “all equity” offer, while lifelong Everton fans Andy Bell and George Downing, backed by the Dell family, are also in the race for the takeover.
