Friedkin Group Backs Out of Everton Deal

The Friedkin Group has withdrawn from its plan to buy a majority stake in Everton, despite being granted a period of exclusivity. Talks began after an agreement with 777 Partners collapsed. The club will now explore alternative options. Despite the pullout, Friedkin will remain a lender to Everton.

The Friedkin Group has abandoned its plans to buy a majority stake in Everton after being granted a period of exclusivity last month, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The Friedkin Group, who are also majority owners of Italian Serie A club AS Roma, were in exclusive talks to buy a stake after a takeover agreement with prospective owner 777 Partners fell through. 'Following a period of exclusivity, discussions between Blue Heaven Holdings and The Friedkin Group over a potential sale of a majority stake in Everton have ended and The Friedkin Group will not be progressing with a purchase of the club,' Everton said.

'Both Blue Heaven Holdings and The Friedkin Group entered discussions in good faith to explore whether a sale could be agreed. Those discussions have concluded. The parties agree it is in both their interests for Everton to explore alternative options.'

Everton said the Friedkin Group will remain a lender to the Merseyside club having played a role in the new stadium being built. 'Blue Heaven Holdings maintains a positive relationship with The Friedkin Group and would like to thank them for the time and effort they have put into this process,' the club added.