777 Partners

[Kid in the Riot]

Back in the beginning of May I was told (by a regular poster on here, who can reveal themselves if they so wish!) that a mutual friend of ours had told them that 777 Partners were close to purchasing City. 

It made a lot of sense as it was fairly well-known that 777 Partners were a big global player in sports investment and were looking to buy an English club. I'd known that Mark Ashton had been seeking investment opportunities on our pre-season tour in Florida in the summer of 2019, and coincidentally 777 Partners were based in Miami, Fl. 

They also had a keen interest in UK basketball having purchased London Lions and owning nearly half the BBL league. Whilst they couldn't have bought the Flyers, it was feasible that the proposed basketball arena at the sporting quarter would have been of real interest to them for regional and national BBL events.

I did a bit of digging, asked a few people who would know, and drew blanks. Everyone said this rumour was not true. But then looking back, they were in positions where it's very likely they would deny the story, given commercial sensitivities.

Fast forward to today and 777 Partners are completing their takeover of Everton including the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. 

Having done some more digging since, including speaking to the original source, I am persuaded that 777 Partners were indeed the potential "overseas investors" that SL was referring to back on 30 April this year. Steve Lansdown provides update on the potential sale of Bristol City with talks ongoing - Bristol Live (bristolpost.co.uk)

Aside from the above circumstantial evidence, I believe that 777 Partners wanted to purchase City, Bristol Bears, and that they were also very keen on purchasing the sporting village. Indeed, the fact that planning wasn't yet delivered for the sporting village was cited as one reason why the purchase didn't go through. The source is absolutely someone that would have known who the potential investors were, and how negotiations ultimately ended. 

FWIW, having looked at 777 Partners portfolio, we may have had a lucky escape. They don't appear to have progressed any of the football clubs in their portfolio and both Genoa and Standard Liege supporters have protested against the ownership of their respective clubs. Only Sevilla have had success, but 777 only have a small approx. 7% minority stake in them.

They are also a multi-club ownership investment firm, who appear to be particularly interested in securing assets, hence their keen interest in the sporting quarter. They have already handed a big loan to Everton to assist in the completion of Bramley-Moore I believe. That's possibly something to be suspicious of, or maybe just good business acumen.

I don't have a direct source for the above however given who the original source is, I find it very hard to believe that, at the very least, there were no discussions between City and 777 Partners. It may be for others, including the local media, to now do a bit more digging and see if a deal was close to being completed, or not...

[BUTOR]

Be careful what you wish for: Exhibit A. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

Sevilla their success dunno how much can be attributed to 777. I read that half their squad was up for sale, last 15-20 years they've usually been quite a well run club so something has gine wrong there even if okay on the pitch.

Certainly not a given that they would pass the Owners and Directors Test either.

It's one thing to sell a club or a big enough stake to make it a relevant factor, it's another to pass the Regulatory hurdles.

Edited September 21, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Davefevs]

22 minutes ago, BUTOR said:

Be careful what you wish for: Exhibit A. 

Indeed, but perhaps be just as careful about the bloke who is the one deciding who he’s gonna sell to!

[REDOXO]

28 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Back in the beginning of May I was told (by a regular poster on here, who can reveal themselves if they so wish!) that a mutual friend of ours had told them that 777 Partners were close to purchasing City. 

It made a lot of sense as it was fairly well-known that 777 Partners were a big global player in sports investment and were looking to buy an English club. I'd known that Mark Ashton had been seeking investment opportunities on our pre-season tour in Florida in the summer of 2019, and coincidentally 777 Partners were based in Miami, Fl. 

They also had a keen interest in UK basketball having purchased London Lions and owning nearly half the BBL league. Whilst they couldn't have bought the Flyers, it was feasible that the proposed basketball arena at the sporting quarter would have been of real interest to them for regional and national BBL events.

I did a bit of digging, asked a few people who would know, and drew blanks. Everyone said this rumour was not true. But then looking back, they were in positions where it's very likely they would deny the story, given commercial sensitivities.

Fast forward to today and 777 Partners are completing their takeover of Everton including the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. 

Having done some more digging since, including speaking to the original source, I am persuaded that 777 Partners were indeed the potential "overseas investors" that SL was referring to back on 30 April this year. Steve Lansdown provides update on the potential sale of Bristol City with talks ongoing - Bristol Live (bristolpost.co.uk)

Aside from the above circumstantial evidence, I believe that 777 Partners wanted to purchase City, Bristol Bears, and that they were also very keen on purchasing the sporting village. Indeed, the fact that planning wasn't yet delivered for the sporting village was cited as one reason why the purchase didn't go through. The source is absolutely someone that would have known who the potential investors were, and how negotiations ultimately ended. 

FWIW, having looked at 777 Partners portfolio, we may have had a lucky escape. They don't appear to have progressed any of the football clubs in their portfolio and both Genoa and Standard Liege supporters have protested against the ownership of their respective clubs. Only Sevilla have had success, but 777 only have a small approx. 7% minority stake in them.

They are also a multi-club ownership investment firm, who appear to be particularly interested in securing assets, hence their keen interest in the sporting quarter. They have already handed a big loan to Everton to assist in the completion of Bramley-Moore I believe. That's possibly something to be suspicious of, or maybe just good business acumen.

I don't have a direct source for the above however given who the original source is, I find it very hard to believe that, at the very least, there were no discussions between City and 777 Partners. It may be for others, including the local media, to now do a bit more digging and see if a deal was close to being completed, or not...

You kiss a lot of frogs!

[chinapig]

Kieran Maguire called them 999 on today's PoF podcast today.

He spoke to someone senior at the Premier League who reckoned their takeover would not be approved if only to show there is no need for an independent regulator. We'll see.

[marmite]

8 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Indeed, but perhaps be just as careful about the bloke who is the one deciding who he’s gonna sell to!

Exactly this. Look at Higgs at the gas, and plenty of other owners. Just wanted their money back.....allegedly. If Steve wants his money back, will he really care who buys us?

[exAtyeoMax]

10 minutes ago, chinapig said:

Kieran Maguire called them 999 on today's PoF podcast today.

He spoke to someone senior at the Premier League who reckoned their takeover would not be approved if only to show there is no need for an independent regulator. We'll see.

I haven't listened to that episode yet but he was very cautious/sceptical when discussing Everton the other week

[BrizzleRed]

29 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Indeed, but perhaps be just as careful about the bloke who is the one deciding who he’s gonna sell to!

This will be a real test of SL.  He has always given a vibe that he wouldn’t ever put the club in danger, so we’ll see.

To be fair to SL, it could be the deal didn’t happen because he wasn’t comfortable with it.  

Maybe we’ll find out one day

[phantom]

Just to add to the OP, this name was mentioned very early in discussions and was told they moved on from us a long time ago, I have been told that there IS another group that have been around for a number of months and are still doing ground work but definitely not this same group

[Davefevs]

21 minutes ago, BrizzleRed said:

He has always given a vibe that he wouldn’t ever put the club in danger, so we’ll see.

Not just a vibe, he actually said it too.

[Port Said Red]

8 minutes ago, phantom said:

Just to add to the OP, this name was mentioned very early in discussions and was told they moved on from us a long time ago, I have been told that there IS another group that have been around for a number of months and are still doing ground work but definitely not this same group

I find that more encouraging. I must admit I hadn't realised that the Everton deal was on the cards and I have just read up on it. I don't get the impression that 777 have done much other than "ooh premier league, ooh new stadium".

If this other group have been working behind the scenes for months, that suggests a level of due diligence that our own FA could learn from. It doesn't sound like a fly by night or quick buck organisation.

[BrizzleRed]

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Not just a vibe, he actually said it too.

Though he had Dave, but I wasn’t sure.  This will definitely show if he’s as good as his word.  

I certainly don’t like the sound of that 777 mob, that’s for sure!  

[Bristol Oil Services]

1 hour ago, BUTOR said:

Be careful what you wish for: Exhibit A. 

Steve is 71. What we wish for cannot change that, or reverse the clock. Steve moving on is inevitable. There is nothing we can do about it. We might as well crack on with it, because it is going to happen one day anyway ...

[devoncider]

if we were taken over by 777 it would be bittersweet hearing us get mentioned on the mainstream podcasts, but for all the wrong reasons. The moral compass himself, Philipe Auclair would have a field day!

let's hope whoever the next investor/owner is, it is more down the Brentford/Brighton route than the Newcastle/Everton route... both on and off the pitch!

[Mr Popodopolous]

Few thoughts or queries perhaps on regulation and how it may or may not impact any prospective takeover. @Kid in the Riot seems closer to the process than many so his views would be interesting.

1) In your view from what you hear, would a prospective new owner/large investor be able to adequately demonstrate compliance with proof, source and sufficiency of funding. In the case of the Leeds takeover it took some time.

2) In your view would they be able and willing to abide by the regulations that they need to abide by- there are a few.

3) Would they be willing to accept the new catchall to some extent clause pertaining to the league having such monitoring powers as they see fit to ensure compliance with League regulations. That is de facto a takeover based condition.

4) If somehow SL picked a poor one, one that failed or couldn't live to the Regulatory requirements and the takeover couldn't go through as far as the League were concerned how would this impact our solvency etc. Would he be willing to continue fillng gaps, running it while looking.

He could find a buyer tomorrow but that's only the start tbh. There are varied pitfalls in the process.

44 minutes ago, devoncider said:

if we were taken over by 777 it would be bittersweet hearing us get mentioned on the mainstream podcasts, but for all the wrong reasons. The moral compass himself, Philipe Auclair would have a field day!

let's hope whoever the next investor/owner is, it is more down the Brentford/Brighton route than the Newcastle/Everton route... both on and off the pitch!

It perhaps wouldn't be approved anyway, so where it would leave us who knows.

Edited September 21, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Sleepy1968]

Christ Almighty.

Would be happier to be owned by one of the oil States.

In either case I'd be saving £800 a season.

Will be interesting to see whether SL pulled the plug on this.

[Harry R]

Glad this didn't happen...

https://josimarfootball.com/2023/07/03/the-777-football-mystery/

[Sorry - just realised it's behind a paywall. Must have been above it when I read it previously]

Edited September 21, 2023 by Harry R

[Mr Popodopolous]

8 minutes ago, Harry R said:

Glad this didn't happen...

https://josimarfootball.com/2023/07/03/the-777-football-mystery/

[Sorry - just realised it's behind a paywall. Must have been above it when I read it previously]

Would the League have approved it?

Jury out IMO.

Edited September 21, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Red Army 75]

Be careful what you wish for shout is a bit redundant . Steve Lansdown is selling the football club, we have know input into his decision. Looking forward to when he sales the club 

[Mr Popodopolous]

For those who want to go to sleep early educate themselves about the evolving Football takeover Regulatory environment, the following parts of the EFL regs are pertinent.

https://www.efl.com/governance/regulations#heading-appendix-3-owners-and-directors-test

It's genuinely quite long these days!

Edited September 21, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Mr Popodopolous]

Some of these will be fairly obvious but some of them I dunno. Since Autumn 2020 it's tightened a lot.

I'll try and condense it into a few paragraphs but..

Edited September 21, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Sir Geoff]

No way will their takeover of Everton be approved imo.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Read these at your leisure. Zoom in where needed.

All very well saying sell up but not an easy or quick process. Took several months for Huddersfield and Hull iirc. Leeds and the 49ers seemed to drag.

Edited September 21, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[W-S-M Seagull]

3 hours ago, phantom said:

Just to add to the OP, this name was mentioned very early in discussions and was told they moved on from us a long time ago, I have been told that there IS another group that have been around for a number of months and are still doing ground work but definitely not this same group

So I guess the question is, is this linked to SL cutting back on his funding? And the departure of PA and not replacing him? 

[BUTOR]

5 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Indeed, but perhaps be just as careful about the bloke who is the one deciding who he’s gonna sell to!

It’s certainly food for thought.

[Rocking Red Cyril]

33 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

So I guess the question is, is this linked to SL cutting back on his funding? And the departure of PA and not replacing him? 

And none of Scott's 25 mill invested in the team?

[Harry]

7 hours ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Back in the beginning of May I was told (by a regular poster on here, who can reveal themselves if they so wish!) that a mutual friend of ours had told them that 777 Partners were close to purchasing City. 

Thanks for the WhatsApp mate. Yes, I shall now reveal myself

Yep, early May I was told we were (or had been) in discussions with 777. 
However, I later learned that whilst there was some discussion with them, they weren’t interested in ‘lock stock & barrel’ and were maybe only offering a minority stake (much like they’ve done with some of their other clubs). 
I understand that we moved on pretty quickly and SL didn’t think they were the right partner. Which I think was the right call. 
There are (and have been for a while) other potential suitors - but again, we have a complex structure and it’s hard to complete a sale of a football club even if it’s a straightforward one - and ours certainly isn’t a straightforward one! 
But it’s definitely an ongoing situation…… 

[Mr Popodopolous]

52 minutes ago, Harry said:

Thanks for the WhatsApp mate. Yes, I shall now reveal myself

Yep, early May I was told we were (or had been) in discussions with 777. 
However, I later learned that whilst there was some discussion with them, they weren’t interested in ‘lock stock & barrel’ and were maybe only offering a minority stake (much like they’ve done with some of their other clubs). 
I understand that we moved on pretty quickly and SL didn’t think they were the right partner. Which I think was the right call. 
There are (and have been for a while) other potential suitors - but again, we have a complex structure and it’s hard to complete a sale of a football club even if it’s a straightforward one - and ours certainly isn’t a straightforward one! 
But it’s definitely an ongoing situation…… 

Anything over 30 pct would be subject to Owners and Directors Test of course. 777 and that.hmm.

Got it wrong, 25 pct is the new magic number.

Edited September 21, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Lrrr]

2 hours ago, Harry said:

Thanks for the WhatsApp mate. Yes, I shall now reveal myself

 

 

[Cidre Monita]

777 have spoken to multiple English clubs. 

[NickJ]

On 21/09/2023 at 13:31, Kid in the Riot said:

They are also a multi-club ownership investment firm, who appear to be particularly interested in securing assets

Not that much different to the current ownership then mate, the club and the stadium is no longer owned by the fans who baled the club out all those years ago, apart from investing in bricks and mortar to increase the property value, we haven’t really improved that much on the playing side, so I don’t think we should be too bothered who owns the club 

[Mr Popodopolous]

Illustrative example of what Regulatory Approval or one aspect may look like.

SL can sell when and to who he likes but doesn't necessarily mean it will be cleared.or approved and may not be quick.

HKSE- when Birmingham Sports Holdings sold or sold a chunk to Birmingham and their current US Investors.

I mean you could push it through maybe without approval but that would lead to a transfer embargo until all the checks are completed. Lifted if approved, if not..well who the hell knows.

Edited September 22, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Mr Popodopolous]

24 minutes ago, NickJ said:

Not that much different to the current ownership then mate, the club and the stadium is no longer owned by the fans who baled the club out all those years ago, apart from investing in bricks and mortar to increase the property value, we haven’t really improved that much on the playing side, so I don’t think we should be too bothered who owns the club 

Pretty complacent with respect IMO.

We could certainly have if and when the club or group are sold, far more incompetent/reckless/stupid or even malicious owners..a host of clubs have had this in the laat 5-10 years. Talking disastrous.

777 it is questionable as to whether they would pass the Regulatory tests anyway, it's 13 pages long now a far cry from the recent past.

Technically we have had a higher average position than the prior 20 years I'm sure, but no not hit the top flight let alone won a major trophy.

Edited September 22, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[NickJ]

2 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Pretty complacent with respect IMO.

We could certainly habe if and when the club or group are sold, far more incompetent/reckless/stupid..loads.

777 it is questionable as to whether they would pass the Regulatory tests anyway, it's 13 pages long now a far cry from the recent past.

Technically we have had a higher average position than the prior 20 years I'm sure, but no not hit the top flight let alone won a major trophy.

Way I see it, 2 extreme ownership models.

One is owned by the fans, which in my view is how it should be, but slack controls over FPP means that doesn’t work.

So all football clubs have migrated to option 2, owned by a rich person or persons. You would think that rich persons are clever people and hence are the best people to run a “business”. But it’s illuminating how often that isn’t the case.

With all respect to Steve, you would think that had he really wanted to, and had the ability to, the 20th richest person in the country could have steamrollered us into the Prem.

He hasn’t, hence my comment, doesn’t really matter who owns us, it will just be a roll of the dice.

[sh1t_ref_again]

30 minutes ago, NickJ said:

Not that much different to the current ownership then mate, the club and the stadium is no longer owned by the fans who baled the club out all those years ago, apart from investing in bricks and mortar to increase the property value, we haven’t really improved that much on the playing side, so I don’t think we should be too bothered who owns the club 

How do you base we have not improved, when we have spent 14 of the last 16 years in the Championship, perhaps look at our record before then

[NickJ]

1 minute ago, sh1t_ref_again said:

How do you base we have not improved, when we have spent 14 of the last 16 years in the Championship, perhaps look at our record before then

I grew up late 60’s, 70’s, until 1984 never saw City in anything other than the top 2 divisions, never division 3.

[Mr Popodopolous]

11 minutes ago, NickJ said:

Way I see it, 2 extreme ownership models.

One is owned by the fans, which in my view is how it should be, but slack controls over FPP means that doesn’t work.

So all football clubs have migrated to option 2, owned by a rich person or persons. You would think that rich persons are clever people and hence are the best people to run a “business”. But it’s illuminating how often that isn’t the case.

With all respect to Steve, you would think that had he really wanted to, and had the ability to, the 20th richest person in the country could have steamrollered us into the Prem.

He hasn’t, hence my comment, doesn’t really matter who owns us, it will just be a roll of the dice.

Thanks that clears up.

Fan owned would be ideal, or something like a 50 plus 1 maybe. Yeah I get that but it seems a bit of a pipe dream at higher levels here.

Player wages are a bit crazy but that's for another thread...

Agreed. Or even where they are smart and astute, when it comes to football that vanishes. Mel Morris is a great example. Even some of his schemes were smart on the face of it..except too clever as they got well and truly hammered in the end, to the extent that their accounts were not accepted as valid.

I would say a big miss was 2008..January 2008 we were flying and yet there was an excess of caution. There were other times that were more borderline but we did make a push but sadly a suspect CEO and manager..A record wage bill and according to the 2019-20 accounts £26.5m in additions.

Perhaps ironically Janaury 2019, a new striker and midfielder in addition go what we did sign four have pushed us to the playoffs. With Brownhill, Pack, Smith but we felt a couple light maybe, playing certain players into the ground.

We could have gone bigger to 2020 and 2021 but had it not come off...risk and reward.

Now he will not back NP with funds 2-3 players who could really help us given all that he has done abd tue culture he has built. His current stance is baffling and infuriating unless some kind of new investment or takeover is on the way. We are well clear of FFP now.

That's fair. Could be great, could be meh could be a disaster the new owner.

Edited September 22, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Kid in the Riot]

7 minutes ago, NickJ said:

With all respect to Steve, you would think that had he really wanted to, and had the ability to, the 20th richest person in the country could have steamrollered us into the Prem.

Looking back that opportunity was pre-FFP, and pre-middle eastern and American takeovers, back in around 2002-2006, when Steve was one of the top 10 wealthiest owners in all of English football. 

We were in L1 and had an owner worth more than most Premier League owners. 

Still, sadly that ship has long passed...

[NickJ]

2 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Looking back that opportunity was pre-FFP, and pre-middle eastern and American takeovers, back in around 2002-2006, when Steve was one of the top 10 wealthiest owners in all of English football. 

We were in L1 and had an owner worth more than most Premier League owners. 

Still, sadly that ship has long passed...

Exactly and my point has always been what benefit is a rich owner in Division 2 to a moderately rich owner in Division 2, a lot of people look at the stadium but I’ve said it before and will say it again, around 20 Years ago BCFC had planning  permission to build a 12,000 seater stand wrapped around the East End and Williams, at a cost go the club a fraction of what has subsequently been spent, half funded by the Football Trust, and the stadium would have still been owned by the fans.

Always struggled to see what there was not to like about that.

[Super]

We definitely dodged a bullet there.

[fisherrich]

8 hours ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Looking back that opportunity was pre-FFP, and pre-middle eastern and American takeovers, back in around 2002-2006, when Steve was one of the top 10 wealthiest owners in all of English football. 

We were in L1 and had an owner worth more than most Premier League owners. 

Still, sadly that ship has long passed...

Correct, opportunity missed. Lansdown will go at some stage (maybe sooner than later), but this will take a year or two to fall in to place IMO. The PA debacle is just another sign of strings being pulled behind the scenes. Matter of time now.

[Wedontplayinblue]

8 hours ago, NickJ said:

Exactly and my point has always been what benefit is a rich owner in Division 2 to a moderately rich owner in Division 2, a lot of people look at the stadium but I’ve said it before and will say it again, around 20 Years ago BCFC had planning  permission to build a 12,000 seater stand wrapped around the East End and Williams, at a cost go the club a fraction of what has subsequently been spent, half funded by the Football Trust, and the stadium would have still been owned by the fans.

Always struggled to see what there was not to like about that.

Anyone got any pics of this stand?

[Kid in the Riot]

According to this SL was the 14th richest English football club owner in 2017: https://www.businessinsider.com/the-15-richest-billionaire-football-club-owners-in-england-2017-5

What a waste.

[BrizzleRed]

18 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

According to this SL was the 14th richest English football club owner in 2017: https://www.businessinsider.com/the-15-richest-billionaire-football-club-owners-in-england-2017-5

What a waste.

The odd thing with SL for me is, for all his wealth and business success, after all these years owning this club, it’s still not totally clear what his aims really were/are.

We’re all aware of those other clubs with a single minded drive to get to the top and managers are hooked at the first sign of failure.  It can look ridiculous, as in Watford and Forest, but it does at least show genuine intent.  I’ve never personally detected any of that intent from SL, even when he was splashing the cash for LJ and MA.

Granted, he isn’t a great communicator, which doesn’t help, but I feel he’s a bit of a ‘steady Eddy’ as an owner.  He’ll play strictly by the rules and generally play it safe.  I suspect we’re now pretty much where he originally wanted us to be.  If we can keep churning out a few more young gems, maybe we’ll be approaching his sustainability ideal.  I suspect he’s always viewed the money involved in the Premier League with suspicion and a little trepidation, so we’ve probably been in his comfort zone for the last few years.

In SL’s mind, that may make his ownership a roaring success, but I think most of us fans were hoping for a bit more ambition than that from a man of his business success and extraordinary wealth.

[Kid in the Riot]

Sounds like their takeover of Everton is in doubt. 

Lots of missed payments and suggestions they don't have the money to complete the takeover.

I wonder.... 

[Bristol Rob]

2 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Sounds like their takeover of Everton is in doubt. 

Lots of missed payments and suggestions they don't have the money to complete the takeover.

I wonder.... 

Prediction....

Takeover fails to complete, Everton enter administration. But they enter administration 5 minutes after the last game of the season with survival assured.

This will lead to all manner of legal action as relegated clubs scream foul.

 

[chinapig]

8 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Sounds like their takeover of Everton is in doubt. 

Lots of missed payments and suggestions they don't have the money to complete the takeover.

I wonder.... 

Indeed, as per the Everton thread.

They have claimed today that they have loaned Everton the delayed working capital (though they don't specify that it was the whole amount). That just covers a month though and is said to be at 10.25% interest.

[Bristol Rob]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/apr/30/everton-crisis-explained

 

[Mr Popodopolous]

Everton going into administration could be the shockwave the game needs so..also feel they deserve to go down for their regular PSR shortcomings and other financial issues.

No guarantee that it is on the cards but maybe it could be for the good of the game?

Edited May 1 by Mr Popodopolous

[ExiledAjax]

I get that it's cool to think that the PL has a conspiracy to help Everton limp from season to season, but I don't think it stands up to scrutiny.

An immediate -9 wouldn't even necessarily relegate Everton. 

The PL don't directly control when/if Everton go into administration, as I understand it the PL isn't a creditor or shareholder of Everton so I don't see them having standing to issue a winding up petition themselves.

There's an argument that a decision not to ratify 777 as an owner would indirectly push Everton over the edge, but I suspect either RMF or MSP would step in and fill the void.

My suspicion is that it is more likely that one of those other lenders - RMF or MSP - are the ones that stand to gain here. RMF have security over Bramley Dock, and aside from player registrations that is the cherry on this rotten cake.

MSP meanwhile seems to have a charge over Moshiri's shares. So again they could take those if 777 fall away.

So there is a world where 777 fall away, -9 does nothing to Everton's status in the PL, and you end up with one dodgy lender owning the current club and Goodison, and one owning Bramley Dock.

The vultures circle.

[ExiledAjax]

Note as well that I believe this is the same 777 as own the British Basketball League.

[Davefevs]

41 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

Note as well that I believe this is the same 777 as own the British Basketball League.

And been a few money concerns there too I believe

[Barrs Court Red]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

And been a few money concerns there too I believe

If that went pop that’s not ideal for Stevie boys pipe dream? 
 

I do wonder if that arena will see the light of day in all honesty.

[Sir Geoff]

2 hours ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Sounds like their takeover of Everton is in doubt. 

Lots of missed payments and suggestions they don't have the money to complete the takeover.

I wonder.... 

They never have had any money. They just borrow money and lend it at a higher rate. Everton are down to the tune of £200 million owed to 777.

I think part of the PL's requisites going forward is that if 777 do takeover then that loan should be converted In to shares. Thus leaving 777 with a £200 million debt at high interest rates. And as they have no capital themselves then administrtaion is the only way forward.

I can't see how a takeover by them will ever be approved, which means Everton owe 777 £200 million plus interest.

Total mess all round and not one that Everton will escape from unscathed.

(in lay mans terms 777 have debt bombed Everton to try and force the sale through).

Edited May 1 by Sir Geoff
extra text

[Sir Geoff]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Everton going into administration could be the shockwave the game needs so..also feel they deserve to go down for their regular PSR shortcomings and other financial issues.

No guarantee that it is on the cards but maybe it could be for the good of the game?

Made me laugh listening to Dyche being interviewed at the weekend. Stated he had no idea of the financial difficulties he and the club would have to face over the past 12 months.......

Really !!!!

Everyone with half an eye on football finances knew Everton were in trouble a long time ago.

[Sir Geoff]

17 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

And been a few money concerns there too I believe

https://m.basketnews.com/news-193181-london-lions-ownership-under-scrutiny.html