‘Frank and open’: Mayor sits down for discussion with 777 Partners over Everton takeover bid

The mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotherham has spoken with the CEO of 777 Partners, the prospective new owners of Everton Football Club.

Rotherham sat down for a ‘frank and open discussion’ with CEO Don Dransfield about some key issues surrounding the potential takeover, including financing and the completion of Everton’s new stadium on the Bramley-Moore Dock.

As reported via the Liverpool Echo, Rotherham shared his concerns regarding the future of the club and the completion of Everton’s waterfront stadium as well as the Goodison Legacy Project following the move.

However, the mayor has revealed that he has spoken with 777 Partners, stating: “Yesterday afternoon, I met with Don Dransfield, CEO of 777 Partners’ football division to discuss the questions I have around the future of Everton Football Club, the Bramley Moore stadium development, and the proposed takeover of the club.

There was a frank and open discussion on a range of topics from assurances on the financing and completion of the new stadium (especially given its significance as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the Ten Streets area), the delivery of the Goodison Legacy project and the Combined Authority’s funding of heritage assets around Bramley Moore and potential future working on any successful Euro 28 bid.”

Agreement in principle just the first step in lengthy process for potential 777 Partners takeover

An agreement in principle for 777 Partners to acquire Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% stake was announced earlier this month, with the potential takeover to be considered by the Premier League and the Financial Conduct Authority, who will assess the suitability of the potential investment.

Rotherham continued: “While we await the relevant regulatory clearances with the Premier League and Financial Conduct Authority, which could take up to 12 weeks, I will continue to ask questions on behalf of Evertonians and people of the region.”