After a long time in the making, Everton appear to have finally found themselves new owners following the news that the Friedkin Group are set to become the new owners of the club.
David Ornstein reported on 23 September that the group had agreed a deal to purchase Farhad Moshiri’s 94 per cent stake – just two months after initially pulling out of talks.
John Textor had been the favourite to become the new owner of the Toffees but in a statement on Monday, the Friedkin Group said they were “pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club”.
So with that, let’s look into the Friedkin Group and what Everton fans can expect from their prospective new owners.
Who are the Friedkin Group?
According to their official website, the Friedkin Group are a private consortium of businesses and investments in the adventure, sports, entertainment, hospitality, and automotive industries.
Founded in 1969, the company has grown to become one of the biggest in the world, owning more than 15 companies in their portfolio, including Serie A side AS Roma.
They have over 11,600 associates working across 12 different countries and own Gulf States Toyota Distributors, who are based in Houston, Texas, and specialise in distributing cars across the USA.
Who is Dan Friedkin?
Dan Friedkin is the current chairman and CEO of the Friedkin Group.
Appointed in 1995, Friedkin has held the position ever since, overseeing the transformation of the company into what it is today.
The 59-year-old has delved into the movie industry, purchasing production company Neon, which produced the Oscar-winning Parasite.
He also co-founded the studio Imperative Entertainment and even played a role in some films, winning an award for ‘best speciality stunt’ after landing a 76-year-old Spitfire in the film Dunkirk.
Studio Imperative Entertainment also produced Flowers Of The Killer Moon, by Martin Scorsese in 2023.
- READ MORE: Dan Friedkin has already identified ‘world class’ manager to potentially replace Sean Dyche
Dan Friedkin net worth
Given the success of Friedkin’s business and industry, the 59-year-old is among some of the richest people in the world.
As of 23 September 2024, Forbes say Friedkin’s net worth stands at a huge $7.6B (£5.6m), making him the 384th richest man in the world.
In 2022, his company Gulf State Toyota Motors sold $9.1B worth of Toyotas.
Dan Friedkin’s Roma takeover
In 2020, the Friedkin Group decided to buy a sports club and picked Roma of the Italian top flight.
Friedkin bought the club for £465m and initially appointed Paulo Fonseca before replacing him with Jose Mourinho.
At the time of buying the club, the American billionaire said: “We intend to listen a lot – and we have already been listening – and what we have heard so far is that the fans want three things – a team to be proud of, a club that appreciates, understands and shares their passion, and an ownership that is both present and honest.
- READ MORE: How AS Roma have fared in four years under the Friedkin Group as Everton takeover finally edges
Under Mourinho, the Friedkin Group were brought great success as the managerial legend won the Conference League in it’s first season, ending the club’s wait for a first European trophy.
Mourinho was sacked by the group in January 2024 and replaced by club legend Daniele De Rossi. His time at the Stadio Olimpico didn’t see an upturn in results and he was subsequently sacked in September 2024.
“We vow to work tirelessly to build a team that the fans can be proud of for many years to come.”
Friedkin Group’s failed Everton takeover attempt
The Friedkin Group is a name familiar to all fans associated with Everton.
It appeared that a deal to own a 94 per cent majority stake in the club had been agreed in June 2024, only for talks to break down at the eleventh hour.
At the time it looked as if talks wouldn’t resurface, with Lyon owner John Textor moving ahead in the race only for his move to be blocked due to his ties with Crystal Palace.
Textor owns 45 per cent of Palace and Premier League rules prohibit individuals from owning more than one team due to potential conflicts of interest.
What have the Friedkin Group said about Everton
There are big plans for Everton at the Friedkin Group.
They want the Toffees to sit alongside Roma at the top of a multi-club ownership model, similarly to the way Chelsea and Manchester City’s owners operate.
Upon the news of completing a deal in principle, which will need to be ratified by the Premier League, a spokesperson for the group released a statement to say: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club. We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction.
“We look forward to providing stability to the club and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”
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