The potential sale of additional shares in FC Bayern appears to be taking shape. After conflicting reports recently circulated regarding a potential investment by Viessmann, there are said to have been new discussions. Negotiations for a deal in the range of 250 million euros are reportedly in the final stages.
An important supervisory board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at FC Bayern. The focus is likely to be on several personnel decisions. Among other things, a decision is expected to be made regarding the future of sporting director Max Eberl.
An early contract extension for the 52-year-old is considered likely. The future of CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen is also expected to be a topic of discussion.
But aside from personnel matters, a significantly larger financial deal could be a topic of discussion. As reported by the tz, the potential sale of the five percent stake in FC Bayern München AG—which has not yet been allocated—is also expected to play a role.
New talks between Bayern and Viessmann
Just a few days ago, the tz and Münchner Merkur reported that the Viessmann Generations Group is being considered as a potential buyer of the shares. A sum of around 250 million euros for the 5 percent stake is being discussed.
Subsequently, the Abendzeitung München and kicker put those reports into perspective. According to them, while an investment by Viessmann is conceivable in principle, there are no concrete or advanced negotiations yet.
Now, it appears there has been some movement on the matter.
According to new information from tz, talks between FC Bayern and Viessmann took place again last week. The general terms are reportedly largely settled by now. According to the report, the negotiations are even in the home stretch.
This means a deal could be much closer than previously thought.
Bayern could receive around 250 million euros
Formally, the potential sale is initially a matter for FC Bayern München e.V. and not directly for the stock corporation. However, the financial implications would be of enormous significance for the stock corporation.
According to the tz, the proceeds from the sale of shares—amounting to around 250 million euros—are to flow entirely into FC Bayern München AG.
Furthermore, with President Herbert Hainer and Vice President Prof. Dr. Dieter Mayer, two members of the club’s executive board sit on the AG’s supervisory board. Accordingly, Viessmann’s potential investment is also likely to be discussed at Tuesday’s meeting.
Currently, FC Bayern Munich e.V. holds 75 percent of the shares in the AG. Adidas, Audi, and Allianz each own 8.33 percent. The sale of an additional five percent would reduce the club’s stake to 70 percent, thereby reaching the limit stipulated in the articles of association.
Viessmann has been a partner of FC Bayern for years. Company CEO Max Viessmann also serves on the record champion’s advisory board and is considered a close strategic partner.
It remains to be seen whether the mega-deal will make significant progress or even be set in motion as early as Tuesday. However, recent discussions suggest that Viessmann’s entry into FC Bayern has once again become significantly more concrete.