Everton FC shares to be traded on new, transparent, online auction
A new online system means trading shares in Everton FC has entered the digital age.
Traditionally shares in the Premier League club were traded with both buyer and seller making contact privately to agree a price.
From later this month, trading the club’s ordinary shares shares will be available on Asset Match, via a new quarterly auction which will offer transparency around the shares and prices on offer, putting share ownership within reach of more fans and investors.
The new arrangement is alongside stockbrokers Blankstone Sington and Albert E Sharp.
Interest in the club’s shares has increased recently, despite its parlous position both on and off the field.
Everton narrowly avoided relegation in the past two seasons and has endured one of its worst starts to a season in its current campaign.
Owner, Farhad Moshiri, who holds 94.1% of shares through his Blue Heaven investment vehicle, has provided more than £500m for transfers since buying the club in 2016.
But the club’s latest accounts, published earlier this year, showed a fifth consecutive year of pre-tax losses.
A potential investment deal by US group MSP Capital collapsed last month, although it has committed to lending £100m towards the construction of Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which has soared in cost from £500m to £760m.
Recent speculation has linked Miami-based 777 Partners with investment moves for the club, although fans’ groups are opposed to this, branding them “asset strippers”.
However, on completion, the new 52,888-capacity stadium could be a commercial game changer for the club, which has sparked investor interest.
Moshiri holds 94.1% of the stock, with chairman Bill Kenwright owning 1.3%. The remaining shareholding is with around 1,500 individuals. Shares are currently valued at around £3,500 per share.
A number of the private shareholders have requested that Everton Football Club Company Limited be admitted to trade on Asset Match, which has now been confirmed.
The new quarterly auction will detail all the shares on offer at the time, in addition to the price each share is bought and sold for.
The first auction closes at 3pm on September 27, 2023.
Ben Weaver, business development director for Asset Match, said: “Asset Match are delighted to be able to offer a secondary dealing facility for Everton Football Club.
“Everton is a historic name in the world of football and with its new stadium progressing well optimism around the club appears to be high, despite a difficult period on the pitch.
“We believe we can help support and build the legacy of Everton Football Club giving shareholders and new investors alike a chance to trade the club shares in a new and transparent manner giving everyone a chance to obtain the best possible outcome.”
