Planet Hollywood founder buys Everton shares - reports

LONDON, Oct 21 (Reuters) Robert Earl, who founded the Planet Hollywood chain of restaurants, has acquired a 23 percent stake in Everton, according to media reports today.

The British-born businessman, who lives in Florida, bought the shares from board members Paul and Anita Gregg in a deal which values the Premier League club at between 80 million (150.5 million dollar) and 100 million pounds, newspapers said.

The club confirmed in a statement that the Greggs had sold their shares to a company called BCR Sports but did not mention Earl's name.

''Everton will be making no further comment at this stage,'' the club said on their official Web site.

REUTERS PM DS1431