FC Bayern has struck a massive financial deal with the Viessmann Generations Group. The German record champion is said to have received around 250 million euros for the sale of its remaining five percent stake in FC Bayern München AG. It’s a massive sum that’s causing a stir even among Bayern’s Bundesliga rivals. Eintracht Frankfurt’s board spokesman, Axel Hellmann, is impressed and even sees the agreement as a model for other German clubs.
With Viessmann’s investment, FC Bayern has further expanded its strategic partnerships. Alongside Adidas, Audi, and Allianz, the company is now the record champion’s fourth external shareholder.
Particularly noteworthy is the club’s valuation. The sale of five percent for 250 million euros implies an enterprise value of around five billion euros.
For Hellmann, this is an extraordinary success that could have significance far beyond Munich.
“I can only offer my congratulations.”
The 55-year-old, who serves on the executive committee of the German Soccer League in addition to his role at Eintracht Frankfurt, has strong words for Bayern’s deal.
“I can only offer my congratulations. Achieving and realizing such a valuation in these times is remarkable. All I can say is: Well done. For me, this is also a positive sign for the entire Bundesliga,” Hellmann explained.
The Frankfurt native sees the deal as proof that German professional clubs can attract significant investments even under the existing legal framework.
“We can all conclude from this within the league that equity investments are possible even while complying with the 50+1 rule.”
In doing so, Hellmann addresses one of the central questions in German professional soccer: How can clubs remain economically competitive without relinquishing control over their clubs?
Hellmann sees Bayern as a role model for the Bundesliga
For the Eintracht boss, the Munich model shows that the interests of club members and external investors can be reconciled.
“The club’s strength can be combined with investments. It’s clearly possible to strengthen the club without a ban that completely excludes investor rights.”
However, the key factor is how such investments are structured. In addition to clear lines of responsibility, the selection of suitable partners is particularly important.
“Selecting investors from a trustworthy background—people you know have no ill will toward the club—is an important prerequisite.”
Hellmann also considers transparent communication with members and fans to be important.
Despite Viessmann’s entry, FC Bayern remains majority-owned by the club. FC Bayern München e.V. continues to hold 70 percent of the shares in the soccer public limited company. The remaining 30 percent are divided among the four strategic partners.
For Hellmann, this is a model that could also serve as a guide for other Bundesliga clubs. Additional financial resources are becoming increasingly important, especially in international competition.
In his view, the Munich club’s 250-million deal demonstrates that economic strength and safeguarding the club’s interests are not necessarily mutually exclusive.