Competition hots up for control of Everton FC
THE US-led consortium bidding to buy Everton Football Club could be facing competition from other investors.
The Goodison Park club have signed a non-disclosure agreement with John Jay Moores and Charles Noell’s group and are in exclusive negotiations for at least six weeks, TheBusinessDesk understands.
Although Everton are refusing to comment on any potential deal, the desire of current chairman Bill Kenwright to attract further serious inward investment into the club has been in the public domain for a long time.
The signing of a non-disclosure agreement is standard practice in such negotiations, but inside the club there is optimism over is attractiveness to would-be investors.
Bolstered by near-capacity crowds at all home matches, the club’s ability to bring through young talent and hold to it – evidenced by Everton’s determination keep England centre back John Stones in the face of interest from Chelsea, and the standing of manager Roberto Martinez as one of the game’s most progressive coaches, all count in their favour.
Former owner of San Diego Padres baseball franchise Moores and software entrepreneur Noell have previously tried to buy a stake in Swansea City.
The American businessmen had talks with Swans chairman Huw Jenkins and the Swansea City Supporters’ Trust but in February the proposed deal – £30m for a 30% shareholding – fell through.
