‘Genuine suitors’ identified for ‘full Liverpool takeover’

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) have been identified as “genuine suitors” to takeover Liverpool outright from Fenway Sports Group (FSG), according to a reputable journalist.

Last Monday the Athletic reported that FSG had put Liverpool up for sale and that a full sales presentation had been prepared for interested parties.

FSG responded with a statement in which they admitted they “would consider new shareholders” under the right terms, though stressed that they “remain fully committed to the success” of the club.

Yet there has been some confusion regarding whether FSG will sell Liverpool outright or are merely seeking more investment.

‘Genuine Suitors’ identified

HBSE have been identified as “genuine suitors” to take over at Liverpool. The American sports company was founded by Joshua Harris and David Blitzer in 2017 to encompass all of their business ventures.

The pair own an 18% controlling stake in Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Crystal Palace while their portfolio also includes the NBA franchise Philadelphia 76ers, the NHL franchise New Jersey Devils and Team Dignitas, an esports team.

In a series of Tweets CBS journalist Ben Jacobs claimed: “Multiple sources also say the sale process is framed towards an American-led investor, with one group already some weeks into talks and other investors, who specifically considered Chelsea, still giving a bid serious consideration.

“Since David Ornstein broke the news of a potential sale, #LFC have had a number of new suitors enquire. But Dubai Holding (or an affiliate) and Mumtalakat both deny interest. A MENA-based buyer or investor is not likely.

“Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) are a genuine suitor and, since trying for Chelsea, have remained on the market for a global club/brand. This isn't great news for Palace (Harris/Blitzer own shares). But Palace didn't present any roadblocks during the #CFC sale tender.

“FSG expect #LFC to sell for close to $1bn more than Chelsea, although their Forbes valuation is even higher ($4.45bn). They have specifically used that sale as a yardstick. That would put a sale price in today's market at $3.7bn (£3.1bn).

“Chelsea went for $3.1bn at the time, which equated to £2.3bn. But now it would only be $2.7bn and that's the number #LFC are to some extent judging their value against.

“The expectation, from those familiar with the process, is offers of $3bn and above will be seriously entertained. But the growing volume of interest should result in a higher sale price should a chosen bidder progress.

Alamy

“A full sale is by no means certain. FSG don't just want the right price (they are making a huge profit either way), but the right group as well, so a lot will depend on not just the offer but the plan for the club going forward.”

Want to sell outright

As reported earlier, FSG would prefer a full sale over a minority investment, despite prior reports suggesting otherwise.

Goal reporter Neil Jones had claimed that FSG were looking for third-party investment over a takeover. However, Jacobs has suggested otherwise.

“My understanding is that FSG would prefer a full sale over minority investment despite hearing offers of all kinds," he said.

“And the expectation, from those familiar with the process, is that a sale may happen sooner rather than later.

“Important to note, 'sooner' in a sale context still takes a fair amount of time, especially with no interested party in exclusive talks or having undertaken due diligence.

“But sources do stress wheels are very much in motion with Mike Gordon now focused on finding options.

“Jurgen Klopp has been given guarantees, regardless of timescale, that the next two transfer windows won't be affected by the process. It's business as usual on the recruitment and planning side.”