Jeff Bezos-backed consortium buys minority stake in Liverpool

A consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has agreed to buy a minority stake in Liverpool FC, the Premier League club's owners Fenway Sports Group said on Friday. A source told The Hindu that the stake is about one-third, while The Times of India reported it to be 30%, worth around £1.7 billion. FSG, which bought Liverpool in 2010 for £300 million, will retain majority ownership and control.

The consortium, named 1892 Holdings, is led by British-Indian entrepreneur Amit Bhatia, son-in-law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. It also includes the Mittal Family Trusts, EE Capital, and K5 Sports, where Bezos is the lead investor. Bhatia will become vice-chairman and join the expanded board with Elaine Saverin and Bryan Baum; Bezos will not have a seat, according to The Hindu.

Spirit of Shankly, the official supporters' union, said it would seek engagement to understand the sale's implications for the club and fans. FSG president Mike Gordon said the consortium shared the club's long-term philosophy. Liverpool finished fifth last season and start the new campaign at Newcastle United on August 23.