FSG Discuss Potential Getafe Takeover as Part of European Growth
Long-Term Vision Behind Expansion Push
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American owners of Liverpool FC, are deep in negotiations over a potential staged takeover of Getafe CF, according to Tribuna, citing The Athletic. This prospective move underscores FSG's ambition to build a multi-club empire in Europe and further afield, leveraging their established sporting footprint to generate long-term value and on-pitch success.
The discussions, described as ongoing but not yet conclusive, reflect a significant moment in FSG's evolution as a sports ownership powerhouse. Getafe's valuation drop, from £160 million to nearer £100 million, has seemingly reopened a previously shut door. While Getafe president Angel Torres initially dismissed the club as not being for sale, multiple insiders suggest it has been available for the right offer for some time.
Edwards Leads Multi-Club Charge
The return of Michael Edwards as FSG's CEO of Football has accelerated Liverpool's ownership group's intent to add another European side. Edwards, pivotal in Liverpool's resurgence under former manager Jürgen Klopp, is now tasked with identifying strategic acquisitions. His influence is already apparent.
'To remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary,' Edwards said earlier this year. That line now carries more weight as FSG look to plant a flag in La Liga, with Getafe positioned as a prime candidate.
Getafe's Appeal for a Modern Football Empire
Getafe's status is quietly impressive. Based just south of Madrid, the club has spent 21 of the last 22 seasons in Spain's top division and has carved out a niche as a well-run, mid-table force known for talent development and resilience. Their previous runs to the Europa League only add to their appeal as a smart, scalable acquisition.
Torres, at 73, remains committed to the club's development and infrastructure. His vision includes overseeing the renovation of Coliseum Alfonso Perez by 2028, suggesting he is not desperate to sell. However, FSG's multi-club vision and established rapport with Torres may offer a compelling path forward.
Strategic Patience Amid Global Interest
FSG's hunt for growth extends beyond Spain. They have previously held talks with Bordeaux and Málaga and explored markets in Brazil. Still, Getafe's combination of location, history and operational stability places them top of the current shortlist.
'FSG routinely engages in conversations and evaluates opportunities across global sports, a common process to assess ventures that align with the organization's strategic priorities,' a spokesperson said.
As Liverpool look to compete with the likes of City Football Group and Red Bull's global web, a successful move for Getafe could be more than an investment. It might just be a statement.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Excited Liverpool Fan Reaction
This move by FSG is both exciting and overdue. Watching Manchester City and Red Bull's multi-club operations yield results has made it clear that success at the top level now requires more than a single team focus. Liverpool have always been a proud standalone club, but football is evolving and this step is a necessary modernisation.
Michael Edwards' involvement adds a level of trust for fans. His recruitment record speaks for itself, and if he sees value in a club like Getafe, then it's likely a smart fit. Getafe's La Liga experience, youth development and location near Madrid offer Liverpool a foothold in a major European market.
Some fans will worry that resources might be stretched, or that Liverpool could become a 'feeder' in some sense, but that misunderstands the model. It's about synergy, not dilution. Players needing game time, pathways for academy stars, and even cross-league commercial opportunities could benefit Liverpool massively.
Of course, Torres' hesitation means this may take time. But given FSG's patience and strategic mindset, that might suit all parties. This is not about flashy purchases, it's about sustainable football growth. With smart leadership, Getafe could be the perfect partner for the next phase of Liverpool's journey.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bayern Munich legend takes swipe at Luis Diaz after Liverpool transfer exit
Lothar Matthaus was blunt with his verdict on Bayern Munich's acquisition of Luis Diaz as he said the Colombian was originally not Bayern's first-choice attacking transfer target. Diaz secured an $88 million transfer to the Bavarian giant last week, becoming the club's third most-expensive signing of all time after Harry Kane and Lucas Hernandez. However, despite the lofty fee he commanded, it is common knowledge that Bayern had its sights set elsewhere when the window started. The German champion was eager to make Florian Wirtz its marquee signing, but the 22-year-old opted to join Liverpool instead — a decision which came as something of a surprise given Bayern's track record of hoovering up all the best German talent. READ MORE: Florian Wirtz just unlocked $81M Liverpool ace as exciting new Arne Slot plan becomes clear READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Benjamin Sesko wait, Alexander Isak boost, Darwin Nunez bid Wirtz's move to Liverpool, combined with Leroy Sane's departure, left Bayern in need of an attacking addition. Nico Williams of Athletic Club, Bradley Barcola of PSG, and Jamie Gittens — who joined Chelsea earlier in the window — were all on Bayern's radar but did not move for one reason or another. Ultimately, Diaz ended up as Bayern's main attacking target for the summer, and there will be plenty of pressure on him to deliver in Bavaria next season. "Diaz is a good player, but he wasn't the first choice for this position," Matthaus told Sky. "We also received rejections, and Max Eberl (Bayern sporting director) mustn't forget that. "You can't just sit back and relax in your job anyway. There are still things you'd like to do, both on one side and the other." Diaz made his first appearance for his new club as he came on as a half-time substitute during Bayern's 2-1 victory over Lyon in a friendly at the Allianz Arena. Despite not scoring or assisting during his 45-minute cameo, Diaz was pleased with his performance for Vincent Kompany's side. "I'll get used to the team bit by bit," Diaz said. "I think I personally had a good game. I had chances to score, but hopefully I'll score next time. "My first impressions are incredible. I'm very happy and feeling well in my first few days here. I'll need a bit of time to integrate and get to know my teammates so I can help the team better."
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Kneat Announces Record Revenue for Second Quarter 2025
LIMERICK, Ireland, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- inc. (TSX: KSI) (OTC: KSIOF) ('Kneat' or the 'Company') a leader in digitizing and automating validation and quality processes, today announced financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025. All dollar amounts are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Second-quarter 2025 total revenue reaches $15.4 million, an increase of 32% year over year Gross margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 reaches 75% Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)1 at June 30, 2025, grows 43% year over year to $64.8 million. 'We continue on our trajectory towards profitability. New customer wins in the past quarter reached new highs, proving Kneat Gx is the platform of choice. We welcomed new leadership in finance, product and engineering and continued the unrelenting development of our platform.' - Eddie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Kneat. Q2 2025 Highlights Total revenues increased 32% to $15.4 million in the second quarter of 2025, compared to $11.7 million for the second quarter of 2024. SaaS revenue for the second quarter of 2025 grew 31% to $14.1 million, versus $10.8 million for the second quarter of 2024. Second-quarter 2025 gross profit was $11.6 million, up 34% from $8.7 million in gross profit for the second quarter of 2024. Gross margin in the second quarter of 2025 was 75%, compared to 74% for the second quarter of 2024. EBITDA1 in the second quarter of 2025 was $3.8 million, compared with $0.5 million for the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA1 in the second quarter of 2025 was $0.4 million, compared with $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2024. Net loss for the second quarter of 2025 was $0.4 million, compared with a net loss of $3.1 million for the second quarter of 2024. Total ARR1, which includes SaaS license and recurring maintenance fees, was $64.8 million at June 30, 2025, an increase of 43% from $45.4 million at June 30, 2024. [1] ARR is a supplementary measure. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS measures and are not recognized, defined or standardized measures under IFRS. These measures are defined in the 'Supplementary and Non-IFRS Measures' section of this news release. First Half of 2025 Financial Highlights Total revenues for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 increased 34% to $30.2 million, compared to $22.4 million for the comparable six-month period in 2024. SaaS revenue grew 36% to $28.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, versus $20.6 million for the comparable period in 2024. Gross profit was $22.6 million, up 36% from $16.6 million in gross profit for the first half of 2024. Gross margin for the first half of 2025 was 75%, compared to 74% for the first half of 2024. EBITDA1 for the first half of 2025 was $9.7 million, compared with $0.0 million for the first half of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA1 for the first half of 2025 was $2.7 million, compared with $2.2 million for the first half of 2024. Net income for the first half of 2025 was $1.8 million, compared with ($6.4) million for the first half of 2024. Recent Business Highlights In April 2025, Kneat announced that it signed a Services Agreement with a multinational producer of generic pharmaceuticals. The Company, which operates more than a dozen manufacturing facilities around the world and employs more than 20,000 people, will initially use Kneat to digitize its drawing management process. In early May 2025, Kneat saw record attendance at VALIDATE, its annual event convening validation and quality professionals from around the world. One of the world's largest events for validation experts to discover, share and apply validation technologies, regulations, and best practices, VALIDATE enabled participants to witness the power of the Kneat Gx platform. In May 2025, Kneat announced that it signed a three-year Master Services Agreement with a leading manufacturer of clinical diagnostics for the healthcare industry. The Company, which operates in more than 40 countries and employs over 14,000 people, will use Kneat Gx initially to digitize its equipment validation process. Also in May 2025, Kneat announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the addition of a Chief Innovation Officer Role. Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Kevin Fitzgerald transitioned out of his current role and into the Chief Innovation Officer role on June 9th. Donal O'Sullivan, an executive with extensive software development and product management leadership, joined Kneat at that time as Chief Product Officer. In June 2025, Kneat announced that it signed a multi-year Master Services Agreement with a leading global healthcare technology company. The Company, which employs over 50,000 people and manufactures in more than a dozen countries worldwide, will use the Kneat Gx platform initially to digitize its Commissioning, Qualification and Validation workflows for facilities, equipment and computer systems at several lead manufacturing sites. Also in June 2025, Kneat announced the retirement of its CFO Hugh Kavanagh. The role will be filled by Dave O'Reilly, who joined Kneat in July. Dave served most recently as CFO of Ekco, a leading European managed security service provider, which he helped scale from startup to a business with $200 million in annual revenue. Prior to his time at Ekco he led the international finance function for a $4 billion-SaaS business, Consensus Cloud Solutions/Ziff Davis Inc., formerly J2 Global. In July, Kneat launched Kneat Gx 9.5, which advances the data management capabilities of our platform. New features include greater management and control over discrete datasets; deeper functionality for defining, regulating and tracing datasets to align with risk-based validation; and more advanced filtering and visibility for Requirements, Risks and Test evidence, critical pillars of effective and efficient validation. These features enable users to save time by leveraging data across more projects than ever before; empowering risk-based validation processes such as Computer Software Assurance; and exerting greater control over traceability that adapts to any workflow. 'Kneat's long history of solid execution is extended with the results reported today. I look forward to continuing the disciplined financial stewardship that precedes me in this role, and with it, Kneat's continuous scaling of the value we deliver to the Life Sciences industry." - Dave O'Reilly, Chief Financial Officer of Kneat. Quarterly Conference Call Eddie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Kneat and Dave O' Reilly, Chief Financial Officer of Kneat, along with outgoing Chief Financial Officer, Hugh Kavanagh, will host a conference call to discuss Kneat's second-quarter results and hold a Q&A for analysts and investors via webcast on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. Interested parties can register for the live webcast via the following link: Register Here. About Kneat Kneat Solutions provides leading companies in highly regulated industries with unparalleled efficiency in validation and compliance through its digital validation platform Kneat Gx. As an industry leader in customer satisfaction, Kneat boasts an excellent record for implementation, powered by our user-friendly design, expert support, and on-demand training academy. Kneat Gx is an industry-leading digital validation platform that enables highly regulated companies to manage any validation discipline from end-to-end. Kneat Gx is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified, fully validated, and 21 CFR Part 11/Annex 11 compliant. Multiple independent customer studies show up to 40% reduction in documentation cycle times, up to 20% faster speed to market, and a higher compliance standard. For more information visit Supplementary and Non-IFRS Financial Measures The Company uses supplementary financial measures as key performance indicators in its MD&A and other communications. Management uses both IFRS measures and supplementary, non-IFRS financial measures as key performance indicators when planning, monitoring and evaluating the Company's performance. Annual Recurring Revenue ('ARR') Kneat management use ARR to evaluate and assess the Company's performance, identify trends affecting its business, formulate financial projections and make financial decisions. The Company believes that ARR is a useful metric for investors as it provides a measure of the value of the recurring revenue at a point in time (end date of the relevant quarter). ARR is based on signed agreements and indicates the level of recurring revenue that the Company would anticipate reporting in a 12-month period based on the full annual SaaS and maintenance fees for existing customers. In specific circumstances, the Company may utilize pricing incentives for limited contract periods. These incentives are not included in the calculation of ARR. ARR is used by Kneat to assess the expected recurring revenues from the customers that are live on the Kneat Gx platform at the end of the period. ARR is calculated using the licenses delivered to customers at the period end, multiplied by the expected customer retention rate of 100% and multiplied by the full agreed annual SaaS license or maintenance fee. Since many of the customer contracts are in currencies other than the Canadian dollar, the Canadian dollar equivalent is calculated using the related period end exchange rate multiplied by the contracted currency amount. Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ('EBITDA') EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) attributable to excluding interest income (expense), provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We provide and use this non-IFRS measure of our operating performance to highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures and to inform financial comparisons with other companies. A reconciliation of EBITDA to IFRS financial measures is provided in the financial statements accompanying this press release. Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ('Adjusted EBITDA') Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) attributable to excluding interest income (expense), provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange gain and stock-based compensation expense. We provide and use this non-IFRS measure of our operating performance to highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures and to inform financial comparisons with other companies. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to IFRS financial measures is provided in the financial statements accompanying this press release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, certain information presented constitutes 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the relationship between Kneat and the customer, Kneat's business development activities, the use and implementation timelines of Kneat's software within the customer's validation processes, the ability and intent of the customer to scale the use of Kneat's software within the customer's organization, our ability to win business from new customers and expand business from existing customers, our expected use of the net proceeds from the IPF Facility and the public equity financing completed in both February and October 2024 and the anticipated effects thereof on the business and operations of the company, and the compliance of Kneat's platform under regulatory audit and inspection. These and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties may cause Kneat's actual results, performance, achievements and developments to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Material risks and uncertainties relating to our business are described under the headings 'Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information' and 'Risk Factors' in our MD&A dated August 5, 2025, under the heading 'Risk Factors' in our Annual Information Form dated February 26, 2025 and in our other public documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available at Forward-looking statements are provided to help readers understand management's expectations as at the date of this release and may not be suitable for other purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Kneat assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Investors should not assume that any lack of update to a previously issued forward-looking statement constitutes a reaffirmation of that statement. Continued reliance on forward-looking statements is at an investor's own risk. For further information: Katie Keita, Kneat Investor RelationsP: + 1-902-450-2660E: Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Income/(Loss) and Comprehensive Loss Three-monthperiod ended June 30, 2025 Three-monthperiod ended June 30, 2024 Six-monthperiod ended June 30, 2025 Six-monthperiod ended June 30, 2024 $ $ $ $ Revenue 15,405,109 11,675,734 30,152,750 22,442,735 Cost of revenue (3,777,809 ) (2,982,094 ) (7,600,954 ) (5,816,109 ) Gross profit 11,627,300 8,693,640 22,551,796 16,626,626 Expenses Research and development (5,702,497 ) (4,761,889 ) (10,401,162 ) (8,807,437 ) Sales and marketing (6,129,942 ) (4,368,485 ) (11,246,419 ) (8,400,169 ) General and administrative (3,792,405 ) (2,194,999 ) (6,304,034 ) (4,300,588 ) Operating loss (3,997,544 ) (2,631,733 ) (5,399,819 ) (4,881,568 ) Finance expense (877,545 ) (870,905 ) (1,766,090 ) (1,738,356 ) Interest income 151,053 172,999 349,692 208,075 Foreign exchange gain 4,429,193 258,049 8,691,793 19,286 (Loss) income before income taxes (294,843 ) (3,071,590 ) 1,875,576 (6,392,563 ) Income tax expense (84,299 ) (28,553 ) (108,729 ) (44,440 ) Net (loss) income for the period (379,142 ) (3,100,143 ) 1,766,847 (6,437,003 ) Other comprehensive loss Foreign currency translation adjustment to presentation currency (1,833,771 ) (234,170 ) (3,832,292 ) (43,276 ) Comprehensive loss for the period (2,212,913 ) (3,334,313 ) (2,065,445 ) (6,480,279 ) (Loss)/Earnings per share - Basic and diluted (0.00 ) (0.04 ) 0.02 (0.08 ) Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 94,728,598 85,581,420 94,469,559 83,293,224 Diluted 94,728,598 85,581,420 97,985,267 83,293,224 Reconciliation: Net (loss) income for the period (379,142 ) (3,100,143 ) 1,766,847 (6,437,003 ) Finance expense 877,545 870,905 1,766,090 1,738,356 Interest income (151,053 ) (172,999 ) (349,692 ) (208,075 ) Income tax expense 84,299 28,553 108,729 44,440 Depreciation charge 181,718 190,394 358,719 381,615 Amortization of intangible assets charge 3,155,635 2,688,851 6,002,381 4,523,062 EBITDA 3,769,002 505,561 9,653,074 42,395 Adjustments to EBITDA Foreign exchange gain (4,429,193 ) (258,049 ) (8,691,793 ) (19,286 ) Stock based compensation 1,090,175 1,338,990 1,787,193 2,151,163 Adjusted EBITDA 429,984 1,586,502 2,748,474 2,174,272 Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position June 30,2025 December 31, 2024 $ $ Assets Current assets Cash 66,771,997 58,889,572 Amounts receivable 11,176,423 18,377,009 Prepayments 1,861,908 1,870,095 79,810,328 79,136,676 Non-current assets Amounts receivable 4,798,361 2,368,006 Property and equipment 8,057,345 6,782,179 Intangible asset 41,999,419 36,290,869 Total Assets 134,665,453 124,577,730 Liabilities Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 11,071,328 8,580,104 Contract liabilities 26,550,906 21,631,416 Loan payable 6,012,075 4,116,723 Lease liabilities 401,739 434,096 44,036,048 34,762,339 Non-current liabilities Contract liabilities 3,063 33,393 Loan payable and accrued interest 17,338,181 19,038,203 Lease liabilities 6,911,364 5,671,952 Total Liabilities 68,288,656 59,505,887 Equity Shareholders' equity 66,376,797 65,071,843 Total Liabilities and Equity 134,665,453 124,577, Condensed Interim Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Six-monthperiod ended June 30, 2025 Six-monthperiod ended June 30, 2024 Operating activities $ $ Net income (loss) for the period 1,766,847 (6,437,003 ) Charges to income (loss) not involving cash: Depreciation of property and equipment 358,719 381,615 Share-based compensation 1,787,193 2,151,163 Interest expense 1,672,870 1,738,356 Tax expense 108,729 44,440 Amortization of the intangible asset 6,002,381 4,523,062 Amortization of loan issuance costs 93,220 76,194 Foreign exchange gain (8,691,793 ) (19,286 ) (Decrease)/increase in non-current contract liabilities (31,359 ) 38,241 Net change in non-cash operating working capital related to operations 12,481,190 7,533,596 Net cash provided by operating activities 15,547,997 10,030,378 Financing activities Proceeds received from public equity financing - 20,000,110 Share issuance costs associated with public equity financing - (1,626,257 ) Payment of principal and interest on loans payable (3,154,648 ) (1,232,889 ) Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 989,061 1,051,787 Repayment of lease liabilities (394,650 ) (364,423 ) Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (2,560,237 ) 17,828,328 Investing activities Additions to the intangible asset (10,599,886 ) (9,675,371 ) Additions to property and equipment (96,462 ) (50,397 ) Collection of research and development tax credits 1,887,789 2,336,619 Net cash used in investing activities (8,808,559 ) (7,389,149 ) Effects of exchange rates on cash 3,703,224 170,762 Net change in cash during the period 7,882,425 20,640,319 Cash – Beginning of period 58,889,572 15,252,526 Cash – End of period 66,771,997 35,892,845 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Barcelona summer signing set to miss 8-10 weeks with injury
La Liga giants Barcelona have on Tuesday announced an early fitness setback for a member of the club's summer recruitment list. The player in question? Roger Martínez. Youngster Martínez was for his part snapped up by Barcelona last month, after the expiration of his contract terms with Catalan rivals Espanyol. The midfielder, in turn, went on to make his debut in Blaugrana colours over the weekend, in Barca Atlètic's friendly meeting with L'Escala. Early on, however, disaster struck for Martínez. After going to ground clutching his shoulder, it quickly became clear that the 21-year-old was in no fit state to continue. Martínez was in turn hauled off, before being put through a round of medical scans and tests. And as alluded to above, on Tuesday, the results of as much have been revealed. In an early blow for Barca Atlètic ahead of the new campaign, it has been confirmed that: 'The tests conducted have shown that Barça Atlètic player Roger Martínez has a glenohumeral dislocation of the left shoulder. He will undergo conservative treatment, with an expected recovery time of between 8 and 10 weeks.' Conor Laird – GSFN
