Mukesh Ambani: Liverpool takeover, net worth and surprise link to Newcastle United director

Mukesh Ambani, previously linked with Newcastle United, is reportedly interested in buying Liverpool.
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A familiar name to Newcastle United Mukesh Ambani is reportedly interested in buying Liverpool after the Anfield club was put up for sale by Fenway Sports Group.

The Indian businessman and billionaire was previously linked with a takeover of the Magpies 2008 and 2011, and trended again last year before the completion of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia-led takeover.

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But interestingly, Ambani is sort of connection to PIF. Here, NewcastleWorld takes a closer look at Ambani, his net worth and previous links to Newcastle United.

Who is Mukesh Ambani?

Ambani is the founder and chairman of oil and gas giant Reliance Industries – one of India’s most valuable companies. Reliance was founded by his late father Dhirubhai Ambani. He sadly passed away in 2020, leaving Mukesh and younger brother Anil to head up up the family empire.

The company first invested in the British market in 2019 after buying toy retailer Hamleys. Debenhams, who Newcastle owner Mike Ashley once held a stake in and attempted to buy, was also on its radar in 2020 but no sale materialised.

What is Mukesh Ambani’s net worth?

Ambani’s is listed as the 10th richest person in the world and 1st in India – according to Forbes – with an estimated worth of $90billion. In pounds, that works out at a whopping £76million.

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Ambani would be the second richest owner in the Premier League behind Newcastle, whose Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia owners are worth £32bn.

Has Mukesh Ambani shown interest in Newcastle United?

The name Ambani has twice been linked with a takeover of Newcastle. Interest first emerged in 2008 from Anil Ambani, Mukesh’s brother, with reports claiming he was set to launch a £260million bid.

The Telegraph quoted a source at the time saying: “Ambani has twice as much money as (Roman) Abramovich and his intentions are deadly serious. His people will put a set of proposals to Ashley and if they don’t like them they will say ‘that’s it’ and turn their attention elsewhere. They won’t be messed about.”

Anil reportedly backed off from negotiations following the departure of Kevin Keegan before returning to the fold in March 2011. His older sibling Mukesh was said to be keen on buying Liverpool before they were sold to current owners US-based Fenway Sports Group.

Is there a connection with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia?

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Yes. Governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and Newcastle non-executive chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan joined Ambani’s company Reliance Industries as Independent Director in June 2021.

Speaking at the time, Ambani said: “I welcome H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Saudi Aramco and Governor of PIF, to join the Board of Reliance Industries as an Independent Director.

“He is one of the most renowned names in energy, finance, and technology globally. I’m sure that we will immensely benefit from his rich experience of running one of the world’s largest companies and, also, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world.

“His joining of our board is also the beginning of internationalisation of Reliance. You will hear more about our international plans in the times to come.”