Everton takeover state of play as LAMF Global Ventures…

Everton takeover state of play as LAMF Global Ventures Corp interest emerges

Everton is the subject of takeover interest from a US-led group but no deal is thought to be close at this stage.

LAMF Global Ventures Corp, which counts the nephew of hedge fund tycoon George Soros among its main players, has expressed an interest in acquiring the Blues but the ECHO understands no substantial discussions have taken place over a potential sale.

LAMF is the latest party to show an interest in the club and news of its attention comes just a week after it was confirmed real estate tycoon Maciek Kaminski retained his desire to lead a takeover of Everton, an ambition that first emerged in the summer.

Following speculation over that interest, majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri released an open letter to fans stating the club was not for sale and, while he remains open to talks about investment in relation to the financing of the Bramley-Moore stadium development, it is believed he is currently still keen to lead the club into the new waterfront venue.

According to its website, the Los Angeles Media Fund [LAMF] is a "top-flight management team with decades of combined experience in entertainment, media and technology". It is led by Jeffrey Soros, whose billionaire uncle, George, is one of the world's richest people, and Simon Horsman, both LA-based producers.

According to Bloomberg, which first reported news the special purpose acquisition company [SPAC] was interested in Everton, LAMF is being advised by former Everton director Keith Harris, who is a veteran of the football-business world and has a long working relationship with Blues chairman Bill Kenwright as well as history dealing with Mr Moshiri.

Bloomberg said preliminary talks over a takeover had been held between LAMF and Everton but also that any discussions were in their infancy and the acquisition group had its eye on other European football clubs. The ECHO understands that, while an interest has been expressed, it has not developed into substantial talks over a takeover at this stage.

Writing to fans in an open letter that followed speculation of a takeover in July, Mr Moshiri said: "It will always be pragmatic to explore all potential investment opportunities and, as I have been transparent about, I am actively focused on completing the financing for our fantastic new stadium as well as strengthening the playing squad and that might include a search for minority investment. That will continue. But I want to reassure all of you that Everton Football Club is not for sale."

Since then, Mr Moshiri is understood to have continued his involvement in talks over the financing of Bramley-Moore. But while his resolve does not appear to have been seriously tested, at this stage he is still thought to be keen to oversee the club's move from Goodison Park to the Liverpool waterfront.

Moshiri's open letter followed the breakdown in discussions with a consortium involving Mr Kaminski and investment chief John Thornton and fronted by former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon. Last week, it emerged Mr Kaminski was still interested in Everton, though he was no longer working with Mr Thornton and Mr Kenyon and no deal was thought to be imminent.

The speculation over the summer talks had reduced following claims any potential deal was "dead", leading to the vehicle that was to be used to purchase Everton, KAM Sports LLC, releasing a statement, describing the publicity surrounding the issue as "regrettable". It added: "We respectfully remain interested in acquiring the club as we believe its fans deserve nothing less than the best, and our offer to achieve this stands."

Everton declined to comment on the speculation.

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