A major deal could be in the works on the financial front at FC Bayern. For weeks, there has been speculation about a possible investment by the Viessmann Generations Group in the German record champion. The talk centers on the acquisition of a five percent stake in FC Bayern München AG. Now, President Herbert Hainer has commented on the current status and confirmed that talks with the potential investor are underway.
The Munich club has long been among the heavyweights of European soccer—not only on the field but also financially. Consequently, there is considerable interest from companies and investors in acquiring a stake in the record-holding champion.
The last five percent of the club’s shares still available are apparently particularly sought after. According to Hainer, there are other interested parties besides Viessmann.
Hainer Confirms Talks with Viessmann
In an interview with BILD, the Bayern president was specifically asked whether the sale of the 5 percent stake to the Viessmann Generations Group was already a done deal.
However, Hainer did not announce that the deal had been finalized. Instead, the 72-year-old made it clear that the Munich-based club is still in talks with various potential investors.
“We are constantly receiving inquiries from investors who would like to acquire the last available 5 percent of FC Bayern Munich. This demonstrates the appeal of our club. It is our job to speak with these investors,” Hainer explained.
The Bayern boss then confirmed that the club is in contact with the entrepreneur who has most recently been mentioned as a potential new shareholder. “We are also in talks with Max Viessmann and the Viessmann Generations Group. I can’t say any more than that,” the president emphasized.
This makes it clear that Viessmann is indeed among the interested parties. Hainer left open whether a basic agreement has already been reached or when a decision might be made.
Bayern could secure another strategic partner
Currently, 75 percent of the shares in FC Bayern München AG are owned by FC Bayern München e.V. The remaining 25 percent are held by long-standing partners Adidas, Audi, and Allianz.
Each of the three companies holds 8.33 percent of the shares. The club thus continues to hold a clear majority.
If an additional 5 percent were sold to an investor, the club’s stake would drop to 70 percent. The majority stake—and thus control of the AG—would remain with FC Bayern.
For the Munich-based club, such an investment could be financially attractive. In addition to a potential financial windfall, the record champion would gain another long-term partner.
The potential purchase price for the stake package has not yet been officially disclosed.
Decision on Viessmann’s investment still pending
The fact that Hainer has explicitly confirmed the talks with Max Viessmann is an important signal. At the same time, the Bayern president is avoiding any statements that might suggest a deal has already been finalized.
The Munich club appears to be deliberately keeping several options open when selecting a potential new shareholder.
For FC Bayern, this is not just about the financial value of the stake. The long-term strategic direction and the collaboration with a potential new partner are also likely to play a role in the decision.
One thing is certain: there is significant interest in the last remaining shares. Whether the Viessmann Generations Group will ultimately be awarded the contract remains to be seen.