Group that owns SAF do Vasco makes an agreement to buy Everton

Owner of Vasco’s SAF, the 777 Partners group reached an agreement to purchase with Everton, a club from the city of Liverpool that competes in the English Championship. The group will acquire all shares from businessman Farhad Moshiri, the team’s majority shareholder, with 94.1% of the total stake.

The parties did not reveal the value of the negotiation, but the British press estimates that the cost is around 550 million pounds, the equivalent of R$3.3 billion. In a statement, Moshiri, who is British of Iranian origin, claimed he was no longer able to manage the club.

“The nature of ownership and financing of major football clubs has changed immensely since I first invested in Everton over seven years ago. The days of an owner/benefactor are seemingly beyond the reach of most, and the biggest clubs are now typically owned by well-resourced private equity firms, specialized sports investors or state-backed companies and funds,” Moshiri said.

The businessman had been a partner at Everton since 2016. Two years later, he became the majority shareholder. He said the sale of his stake should accelerate financing for the Liverpool team’s new stadium.

“I have been open about the need to bring in new investment to complete the financing of our new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, which I have predominantly financed until now. I have spoken to a number of people and considered some strong potential opportunities. However, it has been through long conversations with the 777 group that I believe they are the best partners to take our great club forward.”

In addition to owning Vasco’s Sociedade Anônimo do Futebol (SAF), the 777 Partners group has stakes in Genoa, from Italy; at Hertha Berlin, in Germany; at Standard Liège, in Belgium; at Red Star, in France; from Sevilla, from Spain; and Melbourne Victory, from Australia.

“We are sincerely honored by the opportunity to be part of the Everton family as stewards of the club. For us, it is a privilege to be able to build on the club’s powerful heritage and values. Our main objective is to work with fans and stakeholders to develop the infrastructure sports and commercial support for the men’s and women’s teams, which will deliver results for future generations of Everton fans,” said Josh Wander, founding partner of 777.