Bezos consortium bought almost 40% of Liverpool

A consortium led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has acquired nearly 40% of Liverpool Football Club from Fenway Sports Group, according to reports. Initial claims suggested 1892 Holdings had purchased roughly a third of the club, but it is now confirmed to be 38%. There is also an option for the consortium to purchase a controlling stake within the next year, though a formal commitment is not yet in place.

Fenway Sports Group announced a "definitive agreement" for the sale of a "strategic minority investment" to 1892 Holdings. The group, named after the year Liverpool was founded, is led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia and also includes Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. Bhatia, who is the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, will become Liverpool's vice-chairman and join an expanded board pending regulatory approval.

Bhatia has a history with the club, having served as a director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for 18 years before relinquishing his stake last month. The deal is estimated to value Liverpool between £5bn and £6bn.