Audi takes stake in FC Bayern München AG

Audi takes stake in FC Bayern München AG - Image : Autobild.de

• 9.09 percent shareholding in FC Bayern München AG
• Extension of partnership between two strong premium brands
• Audi CEO Rupert Stadler: “Aim is to strengthen global presence of both brands and to help promote young talent.”

INGOLSTADT/MUNICH : November 26, 2009 - The close partnership between AUDI AG and FC Bayern München AG which has existed since 2002 will be elevated to a new level: In three steps between March 2010 and July 2011 at the latest, the automobile manufacturer from Ingolstadt will acquire a shareholding in FC Bayern München AG that will ultimately total 9.09 percent.


Two strong premium brands are moving together even closer: AUDI AG will extend its commitment to FC Bayern München AG and acquire 2.5 million shares at a total price of € 90 million. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Management Board of AUDI AG, says: “Through our direct financial stake in FC Bayern München AG two successful premium brands are now even closer ‘on the ball.’ I look forward to many great moments with the club, but in addition to this financial engagement, plans are underway to strengthen the global presence of both brands including, among other things, the promotion of young talent in soccer schools to be organized around the world.”

“We are delighted about the extension of our commitment which, arguably, is unique in the world of soccer,” says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Management Board for Marketing and Sales of AUDI AG. “Since 2002 we have been fostering a close partnership as the automotive partner of FC Bayern and now, as a premium automaker, we are taking a direct stake in one of the world’s best and superbly managed soccer clubs – from my perspective, this is a revolutionary, albeit logical, next step from which both parties will benefit.”

Peter Mosch, Chairman of the Joint Works Council of AUDI AG, added: “FC Bayern and Audi have a lot in common. Both exclusively play in the Champions League. Also, a large number of Audi’s employees keep their fingers crossed for the record champion from Munich.” And: “With its roughly 5 000 members the FC Bayern fan club of the Audi workforce founded in 2003 is the largest one of the German record champion. Now, the cohesion and collaboration between us will be intensified even further. This will be a gain for all of us.”

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Chairman of the Executive Board of FC Bayern München AG, is pleased with the new stake-holding as well: ”AUDI AG has been a reliable, professional premium partner of FC Bayern München, with whom we almost share a friendship, for a long time. This strategic partnership as a shareholder of FC Bayern München AG will intensify our collaboration even further. Another crucial factor for us was that in AUDI AG we have yet again gained a partner who strongly identifies with soccer, our club and our fans. I am sure that this partnership will also open up many new opportunities for us on a global level. I am thinking about the Asian market, for example, on which Audi already has a very strong presence. We look forward to our further collaboration.”

FC Bayern München AG is the sole shareholder of the Allianz Arena München Stadion GmbH.

In addition to its financial stake in FC Bayern München AG, AUDI AG will remain the exclusive automotive partner of the German record champion.

[Source : AUDI]