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Kieran Maguire shares Everton MSP equity verdict amid takeover agreement
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has suggested MSP Sports Capital are protecting themselves by only looking to purchase “preferential shares” at Everton.
BBC Sport reported on 18 May, that the US-based investment firm are looking to complete a purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club.
The Daily Mail reported on 24 May, that MSP have now reached an exclusivity agreement with Farhad Moshiri as talks intensify.
Talking to the Liverpool Echo, Maguire believes MSP could look to turn their shares into equity if they wanted to take part ownership of the club.
“We are hearing that it is a 20 to 25 per cent stake they are looking at and I believe that they have been impressed by what they have seen at Bramley-Moore Dock with the new stadium and can see the value that it could bring eventually,” said Maguire (24 May).
“But with this move, they are protecting their position and not exposing themselves too much, while at the same time giving Moshiri the investment that he has been seeking.
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“They can turn those preferential shares into equity at a later date if they so wished and take part ownership of the club.”
In time
It’s clear MSP are taking this takeover very slowly. With a Premier League charge hanging over Everton and the prospect of relegation still on the cards, it’s understandable as to why any potential investor would be cautious when looking to invest.
Farhad Moshiri must be gradually phased out of proceedings. He’s clearly trying to recoup his valuation of the club, but due to the turmoil that he has caused, a buyer is unlikely to appear out of thin air. MSP look like the most likely escape route for Moshiri.
If Sean Dyche can keep Everton up on the final day, the Toffees will suddenly look like a fairly attractive proposition to any potential investor. There’s a brand new stadium on the way, a huge fan base which is clamouring for success and a club with the potential to bridge the gap to the top six.
There will be plenty of reasons to be positive if Dyche’s men can get the job done when Bournemouth make the trip to Goodison Park on Sunday 28 May.