OSLO, NORWAY - Monday, August 1, 2011: Liverpool's owner John W. Henry during a preseason friendly match against Valerenga at the Ulleval Stadion. (Photo by Vegard Grott/Propaganda)

China Everbright increase Liverpool FC valuation to £1bn as stake talks continue

The lengthy saga involving potential investment into Liverpool Football Club has taken another development as China Everbright’s valuation increases.

The state-backed consortium are looking into the possibility of investing in a stake of the club, with current owner Fenway Sports Group unwilling to part ways with a majority.

Previously, this saw Everbright reportedly value the Reds at £700 million, but this has now been upped to £1 billion, according to business news outlet Bloomberg.

David Hellier and Tariq Panja claim the increase in broadcasting revenue and the financial prospects of a redeveloped Anfield have caused Everbright to rethink.

Everbright are believed to be working alongside PCP Capital Partners in plotting a bid, with their offer for a minority stake to be in line with this improved valuation.

FSG would still look to hold onto the majority of the club, suggesting that Everbright could offer up to £499 million and remain in line with the terms of John W. Henry and Tom Werner, who spearheaded a takeover on Merseyside in 2010.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, October 9, 2015: Liverpool's co-owner and NESV Chairman Tom Werner [L], Managing Director Ian Ayre [R] and new manager Jürgen Klopp during a photo-call at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Speaking in August, Werner insisted that the club was not up for sale, but admitted that “under the right conditions and absolutely with the right partner,” a stake could be sold.

“But only in the framework of doing what would be in the club’s long-term best interests,” he added.

“I want to reiterate that the club is not for sale.”

That speculation involving a potential bid from Everbright and their partners is not relenting suggests that their interest in genuine.

Naming rights for Anfield’s new Main Stand are yet to be announced, and it is believed that talks over any potential investment into the club are playing a role in this delay.

FSG have made great commercial strides since their arrival in Liverpool six years ago, and this investment could be the latest positive move.



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