Red Bird Capital Partners considers increasing its stake in Liverpool and could allow FSG to retain ownership
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US investment firm Red Bird Capital Partners is considering increasing its stake in Liverpool, a move that could net FSG £1bn and allow them to retain ownership of the Merseyside club
US investment firm Red Bird Capital Partners is considering increasing its stake in Liverpool.
Preliminary talks are understood to have taken place between Red Bird and Liverpool owners FSG.
The group paid £533m for an 11% stake in FSG in 2021, giving them an indirect stake in the Anfield club.
Red Bird are now actively exploring whether to increase their investment in a move that could net FSG £1bn and allow them to retain ownership of Liverpool.
A source close to the firm said: “There is a growing feeling that FSG is not interested in selling Liverpool, and is increasingly attracted to the idea of selling another minority stake.” A further sale of 20% of FSG could generate £1bn.’
Red Bird Capital Partners is considering increasing its stake in Liverpool Football Club
It could allow its current owner, John Henry (center), and FSG to keep his property
“There is a growing feeling that the FSG is not interested in selling Liverpool,” a source said.
FSG is reportedly eyeing the sale of Man United, which could push Liverpool’s price up.
‘FSG is also looking with interest at the sale of Manchester United. If United are sold for £7bn, Liverpool’s market value could increase significantly.”
Red Bird have distanced themselves from outright ownership of the club, however it is understood they may be receptive to increasing their stake in John Henry’s company, having already bought AC Milan and a majority stake in Toulouse.
FSG has also held preliminary discussions with other interested parties, including the Qatar Investment Authority.
It is understood that QIA would prefer to buy a majority stake in Liverpool, while FSG has initially signaled its preference for the sale of a minority stake.
Liverpool supporters group the Spirit of Shankly and the Manchester United Supporters Trust joined forces this week to call for the next Government White Paper on football to strengthen the rules on who can own and run football clubs in England.
In a joint statement, they said: “We welcome plans for an independent regulator tasked with developing stricter rules on football club ownership, but there is a danger that it will come too late for the two biggest clubs. and successful in the country”.
But there is concern among fans about how football clubs are managed and owned ahead of the publication of a Government White Paper on the management of football clubs.