Everton are finally set to welcome new owners to Goodison Park. The US-based business and investment firm, the Friedkin Group, has agreed to buy Farhad Moshiri's majority 94% stake in the club.
The Friedkin Group already have experience navigating the waters of elite football ownership through their time as custodians of Serie A giants AS Roma.
This development marks a significant shift for Everton and its fans who have endured turbulent times under Moshiri's reign since 2016.
The British-Iranian businessman's tenure has been widely unpopular among Toffees fans, resulting in various protests and unrest.
Moshiri's time at the club was one of ambitious aims and substantial spending but he failed to deliver the desired results.
Squandered money, deeper financial issues, and threadbare squads, often struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table, were the end product of his decisions while at the helm of the club.
Fan protests over how the club was run became increasingly common with Moshiri and some board members even staying away from Goodison Park.
Everton fans will hope that the news of this new takeover by The Friedkin Group is a sign of better things to come.
Who are The Friedkin Group?
The Friedkin Group is known for its immense wealth, made primarily in the car industry.
Dan Friedkin, owner and chief executive of The Friedkin Group is listed on Forbes as the 383rd richest person globally, with a net worth of a staggering £5.7bn.
Dan holds leadership positions within various business communities while also being highly active in wildlife conservation initiatives and various aviation, opportunity and education philanthropies.
Dan holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in finance from Rice University. As The Friedkin Group continues to innovate and evolve under his leadership, he remains committed to fostering next-generation leaders within his organization who will uphold their values.
The portfolio of companies under The Friedkin Group extends beyond automotive giants Toyota & Lexus. It also includes major Hollywood film distribution companies like 30West & Imperative Entertainment, along with luxury resorts that offer best-in-class experiences going beyond ordinary expectations.
Most importantly for Everton fans, The Friedkin Group is no stranger to the world of football.
In August 2020, they signed a preliminary contract to purchase Italian football club AS Roma for $591 million from James Pallotta, the main shareholder of the club at the time.
This acquisition marked their entry into European football and set the stage for their recent takeover of Everton.
The arrival of The Friedkin Group as new owners promises a fresh start for Everton Football Club.
With their diverse portfolio and previous experience in managing a major European football club, fans are hopeful that this change will bring about positive transformations both on and off the field.
