Liz Hoffman, a finance and business reporter, joins the podcast to discuss 777 Partners and their acquisition of Everton Football Club. They delve into the concept of reinsurance in the life insurance industry, alternative investments in soccer, the Premier League's fit and proper test for club owners, and the controversies surrounding 777 Partners' financial transactions.
777 Partners, an insurance company, is interested in buying soccer clubs as alternative investments, despite the potential financial risks and complexities associated with owning clubs.
The financial uncertainties surrounding 777 Partners, including lack of audits, downgraded credit rating, and unresolved lawsuits, raise concerns about their stability and suitability as potential owners of Everton Football Club.
Deep dives
The Financial Background of 777 Partners
777 Partners is an insurance company that relies on reinsurance, which is essentially taking on risk from other insurance companies. They invest in alternative and riskier assets, such as mortgage bonds and structured litigation settlements, which offer higher profits but also higher risk. Their money comes from insurance premiums, and they strive to match their liabilities with their assets. However, their financials have not been audited, which raises concerns among regulatory authorities. Additionally, their credit rating has been downgraded, making it challenging for them to borrow money for future investments.
The Move into Sports Ownership
Despite their financial uncertainties, 777 Partners has shown interest in buying soccer clubs. They view sports clubs as alternative investments that can appreciate in value over time. However, owning soccer clubs is not always profitable, especially for clubs that are not at the top levels of the game. The illiquid nature of soccer clubs and the potential risk of relegation adds further complexities. It remains unclear how buying Everton, a financially troubled club, would benefit 777 Partners financially or strategically. The fit and proper test conducted by the Premier League to assess ownership suitability is still pending, which adds to the uncertainty.
Potential Consequences
If 777 Partners continues lending money to Everton and ultimately acquires the club, it can make it more challenging for other potential buyers to come forward. The club's existing financial troubles, including a significant debt and a stadium financing gap, create doubts about the benefits of this purchase. Furthermore, the lack of audited financials and litigation history associated with 777 Partners raises even more concerns about their stability and ability to fulfill long-term financial obligations. The fit and proper test conducted by the Premier League should evaluate the intentions, financial capabilities, and overall suitability of 777 Partners as potential owners.
Questionable Reputation and Unanswered Questions
777 Partners has faced numerous lawsuits and unresolved financial issues, adding to the doubts surrounding their operations. There are questions about their sources of income and the legitimacy of their financial dealings. The coverage on 777 Partners raises queries about the nature of their investments and their ability to generate profits. The lack of transparency and audited financials contributes to the skepticism surrounding their financial stability and management. The potential acquisition of Everton adds another layer of uncertainty to their already questionable reputation.
We are joined by Semafor's Liz Hoffman, who has broken all the big 777 Partners news in the last week, to talk about what she discovered, what her business and finance reporting means for Everton Football Club and what we still have to learn.