Bayern Munich is strengthening its financial foundation and expanding its long-term business partnerships, with Viessmann Generations Group set to become the club’s fourth minority shareholder, per a release from FCBayern.com.
The Munich-based family business is acquiring the final available equity stake in FC Bayern München AG. Although the stake originally represented five percent, the transaction will take place through a capital increase, leaving Viessmann with just under 6.7% ownership once the deal is completed. Bayern Munich eV will retain its controlling 70% shareholding, preserving the ownership structure established under the club’s statutes.
The three existing minority shareholders will each hold just under 7.8%, bringing the combined minority ownership to 30%. As part of the agreement, Viessmann CEO Max Viessmann is expected to join Bayern’s supervisory board, expanding its membership from nine to 10.
Bayern Munich club president Herbert Hainer believes the agreement will strengthen Bayern’s ownership structure while giving the club greater flexibility to navigate an evolving football and business landscape.
“Like FC Bayern, Viessmann Generations Group stands for values such as tradition, ambition, and innovation. We are delighted to have a long-term partner by our side whom we have known for many years—and who complements our strong group of shareholders with the perspective of an international, family-owned business that takes a long-term view across generations,” Hainer explained. “This step strengthens the ownership structure of FC Bayern München AG. A further substantial strengthening of our equity base also gives us greater flexibility in a time of constant change.”
The partnership will focus on sustainability, internationalization, and digitalization, with Viessmann contributing its experience as a family-owned business operating across global markets.
The relationship between the two organizations dates back to 2018, when their brand partnership began. It has since developed into a broader international climate partnership. Max Viessmann also has an existing connection to Bayern’s leadership, currently serving on the advisory committee of Bayern Munich eV.
For Viessmann, the investment represents an opportunity to deepen that relationship while helping preserve Bayern’s identity and economic autonomy.
“FC Bayern is one of Europe’s most successful clubs, with clear values and a strong sense of social responsibility. FC Bayern and Viessmann have worked closely together since 2018. We are now taking the next step by becoming a shareholder of FC Bayern. As a fourth-generation family business, we want to contribute both capital and our entrepreneurial experience to the collaboration,” Viessmann said. “We want to play our part in maintaining a strong FC Bayern—a club with its own identity, economic independence, and sustained success. Today marks the beginning of a partnership for generations.”
Founded in 1917, Viessmann Generations Group operates in more than 40 countries, with approximately 6,000 employees across its industrial core. The company has expanded beyond its traditional climate solutions business into areas including cold room and cleanroom solutions, local and district heating, and power grid infrastructure.
The transaction will become effective once it is formally registered.
For Bayern Munich, the addition of Viessmann represents more than just another investor. It brings fresh capital, international business expertise, and a long-term partner as the club looks to remain competitive on and off the pitch without compromising its independence.
So, what happens with the money? Bild (via @iMiaSanMia) has that information:
Bayern will receive €250m for selling the last 5% available stake to Viessmann. The money will initially be deposited entirely into the club’s fixed deposit account, making FC Bayern even more financially independent. Bayern have decided to sell because the partner, the price, and the outlook are right and guarantee the club long-term planning security.
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