Fenway Sports Group is reportedly considering alternative ways to raise money and retain control of the Premier League club, according to the Daily Mail.
- RedBird Capital Partners has held talks with FSG on increasing its stake.
- RedBird bought an 11% stake in FSG in 2011 for $640.7 million.
- An additional 20% stake sale could bank another $1.2 billion for FSG.
FSG, principally owned by John Henry, has cooled on the idea of selling Liverpool after putting the team up for sale in November.
The company has also discussed a stake sale with the Qatar Investment Authority, among others. The sovereign wealth fund would reportedly prefer to hold a controlling stake rather than a minority one.
FSG also owns the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park, the Pittsburgh Penguins, RFK Racking, and regional sports network NESN.
Moving Parts
FSG’s position may be clarified once Manchester United is sold.
A high price tag on the club owned by the Glazer family could help set the market for a potential Liverpool sale. Bids for Manchester United are due next week.
RedBird already has a strong presence in European soccer after buying Serie A club AC Milan for $1.2 billion in August.
