US billionaire Dan Friedkin is the new owner of Premier League soccer club Everton.
In its second attempt to buy the iconic team, The Friedkin Group reached an agreement to buy Everton in September. The takeover has finally been given the green light by the Premier League and the American businessman will begin working on ways to help push the Toffees up the table.
Ending Farhad Moshiri’s controversial eight-year spell at Everton, Friedkin will become chairman of the board. Here’s a closer look at how Friedkin made his fortune, as well as his net worth compared to Everton’s city rivals Liverpool.
Net worth
According to Forbes, Friedkin boasts a net worth of $7.9bn. The 59-year-old took over as CEO of TFG and Gulf States Toyota after his father, Thomas, retired in 2000.
Gulf States Toyota sold $11bn worth of cars in 2023, and it holds exclusive rights to sell Toyotas in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Expanding his business portfolio, Friedkin became chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection in 2013, a company that owns a collection of luxury resorts and hotels across the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe, the Caribbean, and Fiji.
In 2017, Friedkin co-founded the film production company 30West and later co-founded the entertainment studio Imperative Entertainment. The Everton takeover is not his first venture into soccer either, as Friedkin became the owner of Italian giants Roma in 2020. The extent of his wealth is best displayed when compared to Liverpool owner John W. Henry.
Friedkin is estimated to be worth $5bn more than Henry, who also owns the Boston Red Sox and NHL francise the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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Fabio Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images)
There’s already been big movement at Everton following the takeover, with Friedkin primed to become chairman of the board and Marc Watts instilled as executive chairman to oversee operations. TFG CFO Ana Dunkel will also join the Everton board.
“I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution,” Friedkin said.
“Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world. We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”
US ownership of Premier League clubs is becoming increasingly common, with as many as 11 clubs either joint or majority-owned by Americans. While Everton fans will hope the takeover will lead to an influx of signings, TFG will also be aware that the club suffered two points deductions last season for failing to follow financial rules.
Source: https://www.themirror.com/sport/soccer/everton-dan-friedkin-premier-league-868093
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