This deal is far from finished lots to still work out. This is from an everton fan who does weekly updates on the everton finances/ownership situation.
777 Partners have to satisfy the terms of their agreement with Farhad Moshiri. My understanding is that little or no cash will change hands initially and that the final price paid for Farhad Moshiri’s shares will be subject to several conditions including the result of the Premier League’s independent commission enquiry and Everton’s performance on the pitch including survival in the Premier League in season 2023/24.
All of this is subject to the conditions within the statement and further conditions not in the public domain.
Regulatory Approval
Clearly regulatory approval is an issue known to all, and has been the subject of much speculation in the media and elsewhere. Despite winning regulatory approval in several European Leagues, will 777 partners, collectively and individually meet the more stringent “fit and proper owners” test applied by the Premier League ? Questions remain as to Josh Wander’s previous (but now spent) conviction and as to the financial resources 777 have to (i) meet their obligations to Farhad Moshiri and (ii) the very significant future capital requirements of Everton Football Club.
Whilst requiring approval from the Football Association and Premier League is self evident the FCA were added by clubs as a necessary regulatory authority in March of this year.
What other approvals are required?
As was seen just recently, Rights and Media Funding had the authority and right to block MSP’s partial ownership of Everton through rejecting the 25% ownership stake offered to MSP. For 777 partners acquisition of Everton, they would require the approval of not only Rights and Media Funding but also now, MSP – lenders to the Everton Stadium Development Company. I can say with some certainty that that approval is not a given.
In the event of not getting the approval of both creditors, the deal fails, or the creditors need to be re-paid. That would require 777 partners to find in the region of £350 million to repay Everton’s main creditors. Is that possible? There’s nothing to suggest on top of the price of Moshiri’s equity, 777 partners have access to that level of funding