Everton confirm Freidkin Group takeover

Premier League side Everton have confirmed their long-awaited takeover by the Friedkin Group has been completed.

The American based group has acquired all of previous owner Farhad Moshiri's 99.5% stake in the club, through Roundhouse Captial Holdings Limited.

The deal has been in the offing for several months but has finally received approval from the appropriate governing bodies and financial authorities.

Announcing the takeover on their official club website, the statement included messages from outgoing owner Moshiri, Dan Friedkin the owner of the Friedkin Group, and Mark Watts who was confirmed as the club's new Executive Chairman.

The statement also laid out several areas that the new owners want to focus on including:

- Strengthening the men’s first-team squad through thoughtful and strategic investment.
- Cultivating home-grown superstars through Everton’s Academy.
- Fostering a distinct on-pitch and commercial strategy for the women’s team.
- Respecting the Club’s traditions and keeping Everton at the heart of the community.
- Maximising the potential of the new stadium through long-term commercial partnerships and events that benefit the city of Liverpool.
- Enhancing Everton’s reputation as a unique and historical name in world football.

Introducing himself to the fans Watts stated: "Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club. We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”

Dan Friedkin also commented "I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, The Friedkin Group. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution."

The takeover brings to an end Moshiri's eight year ownership of the club which despite initial optimism and significant financial investment, ended sourly with fan unrest at his leadership of the club meaning he was mainly absent over the last couple of years.