Everton takeover by Dan Friedkin takes big step towards completion as parties enter exclusivity period
Everton have announced that The Friedkin Group has entered into a period of exclusivity to buy the club.
Due diligence is now taking place for an all-equity purchase of the Premier League club.
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Last week, talkSPORT reported Everton how owner Farhad Moshiri had accepted an offer from US-backed buyers.
The deal is not done yet, but all parties are now hoping the diligence process results in a smooth sale.
In a statement, Everton said: "Everton Football Club would like to provide fans and stakeholders with an update regarding new investment into the Club.
"Blue Heaven Holdings has received significant interest from several highly respected parties interested in investing in the Club.
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"The Club can confirm today [21 June] that a period of exclusivity has been granted to The Friedkin Group to progress discussions to acquire a majority shareholding in Everton.
"All parties will now work together to conclude this process. In the meantime, the Club will continue to operate as normal.
"When there is further news to share, it will be provided via the Club’s official communication channels."
The interested buyers' intention is understood to be wanting to move forward in weeks, not months.
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The Friedkin Group is said to be remaining committed to Serie A side Roma, the other club the CEO of Freidkin, Dan Friedkin, purchased in 2020.
They are understood concerned by Everton and Roma co-existing under UEFA rules going forward.
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Friedkin sits on the European Club Association board and is part of the joint-ECA venture with UEFA.
It's understood Friedkin feels the time is right to buy a Premier League asset with Everton's specific appeal based on the club's history, fan base and their new stadium, the Everton Stadium.
Everton confirmed the collapse of the takeover led by 777 Partners earlier this month.
Moshiri, who has been the Toffees majority owner since 2018, reached an agreement to sell his 94.1 per cent shares to the group last September.
There has been growing concern over 777 and their operations and doubts over their ability to provide long-term funding for Everton, though.
The exclusivity period between the parties then ended, leaving Moshiri free to negotiate with other potential buyers.
Everton were docked a total of eight points last season for twice breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
They were given an initial punishment of ten points in November, but this was later reduced.
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The Toffees then had another two points deducted in April.
They managed to swerve away from relegation in the end, with Sean Dyche leading them to a 15th place finish, four points clear of the drop.
