EVERTON ANNOUNCED ON Saturday that Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri has become “a new major shareholder” at the English Premier League club and has promised “new investment”.
Subject to Premier League approval, Moshiri, who was previously an investor in Arsenal, will acquire a 49.9 percent stake in the Merseyside club.
“After an exhaustive search I believe we have found the perfect partner to take the club forward,” said Everton chairman Bill Kenwright in a statement.
“I have got to know Farhad well over the last 18 months and his football knowledge, financial wherewithal and true blue spirit have convinced me that he is the right man to support Everton.”
Moshiri added: “I am delighted to take this opportunity to become a shareholder in Everton, with its rich heritage as one of Europe’s leading football clubs.
“There has never been a more level playing field in the Premier League than now. Bill Kenwright has taught me what it means to be an Evertonian and I look forward with excitement to working with him to help deliver success for Everton in the future.”
British media reports had previously suggested that Everton were in advanced talks about a takeover with American investors John Jay Moores and Charles Noell.
British theatre impresario Kenwright, 70, has been on the Everton board since 1989, becoming chairman in 2004, and has been actively seeking outside investment for several years.
Everton have been a top-flight team since 1954 — a record bettered only by Arsenal — but have not lifted a major trophy in 21 years and won the last of their nine league titles in 1987.
The current team, managed by Spaniard Roberto Martinez, are 12th in the Premier League table at present.
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