Following Everton’s announcement that the Friedkin Group had withdrawn from the acquisition process, the club found itself on the brink of financial collapse once again. According to an exclusive report by The Sun, a UK-based investment firm is preparing to launch a takeover bid, which could be the Toffees’ last hope for salvation.
The negotiations with the Friedkin Group had been ongoing for four weeks and, according to multiple reports, almost all details had been agreed upon. However, the sudden withdrawal of the Friedkin Group came as a shock to Everton. The acquisition saga has been full of twists and turns, starting with 777Partners, followed by MSP Capital, and most recently the Friedkin Group.
Now, London-headquartered investment firm Vici Private Finance is preparing to re-enter the bidding process and is confident it can complete the acquisition within a few weeks. Interestingly, the advisor to Vici Private Finance is former Everton director Keith Harris, who was appointed to the board by Moshiri after the 2016 acquisition of Everton and left three years later. Over the past 20 years, Harris has been involved in several Premier League acquisitions.