Everton takeover news as Vici Private Finance ‘lodge bid’.
Vici Private Finance have become the latest party to declare their interest in an Everton takeover.
The Times reports that the UK-based company have lodged a bid to take control of Toffees majority owner Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% majority stake. It comes after local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing – backed by the investment firm owned by American billionaire Michael Dell – MSP Sports Capital and a consortium led by London-based businessman Vatche Manoukia have all reportedly made bids. A-Cap, a lender for 777 Partners whose takeover collapsed last month, have also proposed a deal.
But who are Vici Private Finance? Here we take a look.
Who are Vici Private Finance?
Vici are an investment company. Per Companies House, Hampshire-based Owen Bolt is the financer of the firm while Mark Thomas is a director. Both were appointed in December 2023. On his LinkedIn account, Bolt describes himself as managing director of Joint Funding Solutions Ltd.
Who else is involved?
The bid is being advised by Keith Harris. He served on Everton’s board of directors between 2016-2019 and had a period as deputy chairman. He was also involved in Roman Abramovich’s takeover of Chelsea in 2003 and the sale of Fulham to Shahid Khan in 2013, while he previously served as the chairman of the EFL.
How much are Vici Private Finance worth and how much is the bid worth?
No figure has been given. However, it is reported that Vici are able to show £1 billion in proof of funds in cash and no external funding is required. It is reported that Vici is supported by ‘two western hemisphere billionaire owner funds and several foundations’ which included a humanitarian fund.
The Times reports that Vici will provide ‘provision for short-term funding’ and are committed to ‘restructuring and clearing debts’. That could make funds available for Sean Dyche in the transfer window.
Are there any other plans?
It is said that Vici want to work with local authorities on the regeneration of the area around the club’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and that talks with local politicians have undergone.
