AS Roma owner Friedkin granted exclusivity in Everton takeover talks

The Friedkin Group has moved closer to acquiring a majority 94% stake in Everton after club owner Farhad Moshiri granted them an exclusivity agreement.

The US-based firm will conduct due diligence on the club, with the deal contingent on passing the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test, as well as gaining approval from the Football Association (FA) and Financial Conduct Authority.

Chairman Dan Friedkin, also the owner of Roma, boasts a reported net worth of £4.8bn and has expressed a keen interest in adding a Premier League club to his multi-club model.

Both Everton and the Friedkin Group have opted not to provide comments on the matter.

It is anticipated that the sale process will proceed smoothly, with the intention for it to be completed in weeks rather than months.

Everton’s appeal to the Friedkin Group lies in the club’s rich history, dedicated fanbase, and the forthcoming construction of a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The group is firmly committed to Roma and sees no issue with the two clubs co-existing under UEFA rules.

Despite the exclusivity agreement, there is no assurance that the Friedkin Group will finalize a takeover at Goodison Park.

Previous exclusivity agreements with entities like Maciek Kaminski, MSP Sports Capital, and most recently 777 Partners have all concluded without a takeover.

Bidding for the club was reopened earlier this month after Miami-based investment group 777 Partners failed to complete a takeover by the final deadline of 1 June.

Friedkin reached a preliminary agreement on 14 June, edging ahead of four competing bidders, which included UK-based investment firm Vici Private Finance, MSP Sports Capital, local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing, and a consortium involving a Saudi royal.

It’s understood that a consortium led by former LA Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone also submitted a takeover bid, pledging to invest over £78m in football operations this year.

The Friedkin Group assumed control of Italian side Roma in 2020, guiding the club to Europa Conference League success under Jose Mourinho in 2022.

Everton finished 15th in the Premier League last season after being docked eight points for breaching Premier League financial rules.

The club faces pressure to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations by the end of June.

The Toffees are scheduled to relocate to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.