RMF has played a pivotal role in Farhad Moshiri’s efforts to sell Everton but the group appear to be on board with his new deal with The Friedkin Group
One of Everton’s most significant lenders has now spoken publicly in relation to the prospective takeover of the club by The Friedkin Group (TFG). Rights and Media Funding (RMF) has lent money to the Blues for more than a decade.
And it is thought to be owed more than £200m. Those borrowings have led it to play an influential role in current Everton owner Farhad Moshiris longstanding attempts to sell the club, with RMF vetoing one potential buyer last summer.
But RMF appears to be on board with the latest takeover agreement, which was made public on Monday.
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The ECHO understands RMF has reached a deal with The Friedkin Group that will see the debt addressed should the takeover overcome legal and regulatory hurdles and reach completion.
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The full details of the agreement have not been disclosed but it is believed that at least part of the debt will be paid off once the takeover is finalised.
While the specifics of the negotiations remain unclear, new public comments by RMF suggest the organisation is satisfied with developments.
In an article published on the website of law firm BCLP, RMF director David McKnight praised the legal support it had received from the group during talks surrounding the Everton takeover deal.
McKnight said: “Graham, Marc [BCLP partners Graham Shear and Marc Trottier] and the BCLP team did an extraordinary job representing our interests in this very high-profile transaction.
“We have worked with Graham and the BCLP team for a long time and have developed a very strong working relationship.
“The combination of their legal and sports sector knowledge is truly unique.”
The Friedkin Group had stepped away from negotiations with Moshiri back in July but a deal is now back on with an agreement reached.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club,” a statement from The Friedkin Group said on Monday.
“We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction. We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”
A joint statement from Blue Heaven Holdings (through whom Moshiri has his shares) and The Friedkin Group said: “Blue Heaven Holdings and The Friedkin Group confirm that they have reached agreement over the terms of the sale of Blue Heaven Holdings’ majority stake in Everton Football Club.
“The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, including from the Premier League, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority.”
The Blues return to Premier League action on Saturday when they welcome Crystal Palace to Goodison Park (3pm kick-off).
Manager Sean Dyche will speak to the media for the first time since the takeover agreement was announced later today when he holds his press conference to preview the Palace match.