Everton owners consider controlling stake sale as investment search widens
The Friedkin Group has appointed Moelis & Company to explore investment options for Everton, including a possible sale of control less than two years after its takeover.
Everton’s owners The Friedkin Group have confirmed they are considering the sale of a controlling interest in the club, widening an investment process that initially focused on attracting minority partners.TFG has retained investment bank Moelis & Company to oversee the process, with the announcement coming less than two years after the American group completed its takeover in December 2024 following prolonged financial uncertainty under Farhad Moshiri.In its statement, TFG said: “The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest.“When TFG became custodians of Everton, the Club faced significant financial uncertainty and challenges both on and off the pitch. The immediate priority was to provide the stability, investment and support needed to secure the Club’s future, including helping to bring the long-promised stadium to completion for its deserving supporters.“With that foundation now safely in place, the time is right to consider the next chapter for Everton. We will only entertain interest from parties who we strongly believe will be the right stewards to take the Club forward and build on the momentum that has been established.“Throughout this process, TFG’s focus will remain unchanged. We will support the Club in all ways necessary to achieve success on the pitch and will continue efforts to make a positive difference in the communities the Club serves.“TFG and the Club will not be commenting further while this work is under way.”The group acquired Everton through its UK investment vehicle Roundhouse Capital in a transaction reported to be worth more than £400m, bringing an end to a succession of unsuccessful attempts to resolve the club’s ownership and funding problems.Since taking control, TFG has refinanced expensive debt and arranged lower-interest borrowing secured against the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, which opened last year and provides a platform for increasing matchday and wider commercial income.Roundhouse has also attracted minority investment from former Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd and American billionaire Christopher Sarofim, demonstrating that external participation in the ownership structure has already formed part of TFG’s approach.The latest announcement follows scrutiny of the group’s leadership and relationship with supporters, including criticism of the proposed sale of academy graduate Harrison Armstrong, which Everton ultimately abandoned.Manager David Moyes also revealed in September that he had not met or spoken to chairman Dan Friedkin since returning to the club in January 2025, with day-to-day oversight handled by Friedkin’s son-in-law Rishi Majithia alongside chief executive Angus Kinnear.Former Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis commented: “If the Friedkin Group sells up tomorrow, they have left the club in a much better place. I just hope that they do their due diligence.“I hope the new owners want to drive the club forward. Everton fans have spent too much time in a financially turbulent era.”TFG also owns Roma and AS Cannes, with any change of control at Everton dependent on identifying a buyer that meets the group’s stated expectations for the club’s future stewardship.