Liverpool's world famous Royal Liver Building has been acquired by Princes, the food and drink manufacturer, in a deal valued at £60m.
The iconic building was previously co-owned by Farhad Moshiri, former majority shareholder of Everton, after it was . Shortly after the 2017 transaction, the Liverpool ECHO disclosed that .
Currently, the grade I-listed building serves as the corporate headquarters for Everton FC, along with other prominent companies such as HSBC, ITV, Grant Thornton and Princes themselves.
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Princes, founded in Liverpool 145 years ago, intends to broaden its footprint within the Liver Building, using it not only as a corporate headquarters but also as a versatile venue for events, collaboration and public engagement.
Princes has said that all operations and tenant arrangements at the Royal Liver Building - where it has been a tenant since 1982 and currently houses over 400 employees - will remain unchanged , with colleagues and partners guaranteed no immediate changes to the site, reports .
The company said: "This significant milestone underscores Princes’ commitment to its Liverpool roots, ensuring a bold and confident step in its long-term growth plan." It added: "By securing ownership of this iconic site, Princes reinforces its deep connection to the city and its dedication to creating a stable and sustainable operating base for the future. "
The deal is part of a wider £83m property deal for Princes which also includes the £23m purchase of its Cross Green site in Leeds, home to its Symington's brands. The groyp says the deal will help it financially by eliminating rent costs at its key sites.
Princes can trace its origins back to 1880 in Liverpool when 'Simpson and Roberts and Co' was founded as an importer of tinned food into the bustling docks of the era.
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By 1900 the company had adopted the Princes name, which has been a household name ever since and can still be seen on products ranging from tinned fish to orange juice.
Simon Harrison, CEO of Princes, said: "Liverpool is an integral part of our heritage and future. Securing the Royal Liver Building reflects our commitment to this great city, our people, and sustainable success.
"The Royal Liver Building is an enduring symbol of Liverpool, and it's an honour for Princes to call it our home."
Joe Dent, chief people officer at Princes, added: "With the purchase of the Royal Liver Building, we are investing in the future of our teams in a place that they take great pride in.
"Being headquartered in such an iconic location will continue to inspire our colleagues and cement our deep and meaningful connection to Liverpool."
Princes was taken over by Italian group Newlat Food in a £700m deal last year. The merged group is now known as the New Prince' Group.
Angelo Mastrolia, chairman of the group, said: “With this acquisition, we’re building on a shared legacy. The Royal Liver Building will not only serve as a symbol of our ambition but also as a strategic platform for expansion, innovation, and cultural engagement.”
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The latest Princes property deals were supported by HSBC 海角视频, who provided Princes with a long-term loan of £50m.
Stuart Tait, head of commercial banking at HSBC 海角视频, said: “Supporting businesses that invest in the 海角视频’s communities is at the heart of what we do. We are delighted to have provided financing to Princes to secure this historical landmark in the city it was founded in, as well as an operational facility in Leeds.”
Marc Gorton, head of international banking, North and Midlands at HSBC 海角视频, added: "HSBC 海角视频 is pleased to support Princes’ acquisition of the historic Liver Building, demonstrating the business’ commitment to retaining strong roots in the city it was founded in. It’s great to see more businesses investing in the North West with Princes moving its 海角视频 Head Office into this iconic building. We look forward to continuing to support the business with its future growth."