http://www.asiaeurope.com/Sport/Liverpool-FC/fsg_selling_liverpool.html
Reports are getting stronger within finance houses in UAE that FSG the owners of English Premier League team Liverpool FC are looking at selling a majority stake in their investment.
Last month, FOX Business in America first reported that Henry had begun quietly shopping the Red Sox to potential buyers. People with knowledge of the possible deal said that Henry’s move stemmed from the poor performance of his investment company, John Henry & Co., and also to better finance his English football team, Liverpool FC, which he purchased in 2010.
Whilst looking at the potential buyers for the Red Sox more interest has been shown in their investment of Liverpool FC who have a global fan base which is on par with Manchester United. Liverpool FC are a club who need major investment if they are to keep pace with newcomers of Manchester City and Chelsea. The club also need money for the redevelopment of Anfield.
Henry's Global Analytics fund has lost just over 21% this year, including 6.16% in September alone. By comparison, the Goldman Sachs Commodity Index dipped 1.42% in September and has gained 3.47% so far this year.
While Henry denied that report, rival baseball owners are now telling FOX Business America that the management of Fenway Sports is weighing selling a chunk of the holding company to potential investors.
In addition to the Red Sox and the Liverpool team, Fenway Sports Group owns about 80% of the cable sports channel NESN, a NASCAR team as well as a sports- marketing business. Baseball executives say Henry is growing increasingly uncomfortable running two high-profile sports franchises that eat a lot of cash without some outside help.
“Henry is a Wall Street guy and he can read a balance sheet,” one rival executive told FOX Business. “He’s getting killed in Liverpool and the Red Sox basically break even or make a few bucks. NESN does very well, but having a partner will make him feel better from a financial standpoint.”
FSG are keen to hold onto a stake in Liverpool FC they can do this by selling a Major stake to someone who has the capacity to input the large financial outlay required in the franchise with major returns over a long period of time.
This may be worrying times for LFC fans who would be wise to remember that John Henry came in at the last minute and rescued the club he is not like the previous American owners. John Henry understands the global brand of Liverpool FC and he will no doubt do what’s best for the club and his shareholders.