Timeline drags but MSP Sports Capital remain interested in Everton

 

MSP Sports Capital are still working on an investment deal that would see them buy a 25% stake in Everton and install two of their own people on the club’s board of directors amid speculation that 777 Partners have re-emerged as potential buyers.

 

 

The two United States-based investment entities have looked seriously at either taking a shareholding in Everton or purchase Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake outright, with MSP Sports Capital entering into a period of exclusivity this summer as a precursor to taking an initial position in the form of a reported £130m convertible loan.

 

The Athletic reported in June that New York-based MSP, who filed forms with the SEC in the US signalling the creation of a 13-partner vehicle to invest in Everton, were already involved at Everton thanks to a £40m bridging loan facilitated by online stockbroker and Toffees fan Andy Bell but with the anticipated announcement confirming their involvement failing to materialise, doubt has crept in about the proposed deal.

Everton fan and finance expert Paul the Esk suggested on the Talking the Blues podcast that 777 Partners, who melted away as possible investors over the summer amid doubts about their financial muscle, are back on the scene and once again looking at ways of raising the necessary funds, possibly for a full buy-out.

However, in a story branded “exclusive” by i, MSP Sports Capital remain in the driver’s seat, are “excited about the potential of Everton” and that it is still their intention to complete what is a described as a “complex” deal with “many moving parts”.

Journalist Mark Douglas cites a source who claims MSP, led by Jeff Moorad and Jahm Najafi, are genuinely excited about future involvement in the Blues. “It’s a tremendous opportunity,” they said. “They are still very much interested in going beyond the interim financing deal in place.

 

Meanwhile, David Diaz, a sports lawyer who has worked with American investment funds about possible investment and acquisitions in European football clubs told i: “MSP want stable places to invest, they want limited risk. They are not as risk averse as other US firms but they do controlled investments.

“This is going to be big for them. What is clear is that in football they have been little by little, dipping their toe in the water and this is going to be the biggest deal they have done.

 

“They will try to build a mid-term road map that will involve tightening expenses around the stadium project and keeping costs fairly prudent around squad building – they will not be another Boehly at Chelsea, putting money into transfers. I see them as more conservative.

“They will try to optimise commercial revenues. American eyes see European clubs as underperforming in terms of their game day revenue. They will really try to maximise revenues from the stadium investment.”