Viessmann Generations Group to become a shareholder in FC Bayern München AG

Viessmann Generations Group is set to become a shareholder of FC Bayern München AG. While FC Bayern München eV will retain 70 per cent of the shares in accordance with the club’s articles of association, the Munich-based family business is acquiring the last available equity stake, originally representing five per cent. As the transaction takes place through a capital increase, the resulting stake will amount to just under 6.7 per cent. Max Viessmann is expected to join the supervisory board of FC Bayern München AG, which is to expand from nine to ten members.

The partnership, which will take effect upon registration in the commercial register, will give FC Bayern additional scope for action and make a significant contribution to the club’s long-term independence. The collaboration will focus in particular on projects in sustainability, internationalization and digitalization. Viessmann Generations Group will contribute the entrepreneurial experience of a globally-active family business.

The two partners share a relationship of trust built over many years and rooted in common values: carrying its locally-rooted tradition with passion into a successful global future. A brand partnership with Viessmann launched in 2018 has since evolved into a comprehensive global climate partnership. Max Viessmann currently serves on the advisory committee of FC Bayern München eV.

Together, the four minority shareholders will hold 30 per cent of the shares. Following completion of the transaction, Viessmann Generations Group will hold just under 6.7 per cent of FC Bayern München AG, while the three other shareholders alongside FC Bayern München e.V. will each hold just under 7.8 per cent.

“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,” said Herbert Hainer, president of FC Bayern München eV and chairman of the supervisory board of FC Bayern München AG. “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.”

“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. 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,” said Max Viessmann, CEO of Viessmann Generations Group. 

Max Viessmann joined the family business in an operational role in 2015, initially driving its digitalization and, since becoming CEO in 2017, leading the further development of the group.

Viessmann Generations Group is an independent, globally-active, fourth-generation family business. It operates in more than 40 countries, with around 6,000 employees at its industrial core and annual revenue of approximately two billion euros. Over generations, Viessmann has built a German premium brand, expanded it internationally and guided it through far-reaching transformations. Since completing the transatlantic partnership with Carrier Global and the sale of its Climate Solutions business to Carrier in 2024, the family business has continued to expand its other business areas. Alongside its established activities in cold room and cleanroom solutions and local and district heating, it has added power grid infrastructure supply to its business. These business areas are central to the transformation of energy supply and the stability of critical infrastructure.

The group also supports young technology companies such as Isar Aerospace and is extensively involved in sport. Viessmann has long supported sport through talent development and sponsorship, and increasingly through entrepreneurial involvement as a shareholder.

Social responsibility has been particularly important to the family business since its founding in 1917. Through the Viessmann Foundation, it supports social cohesion, health, research, nature conservation and climate protection.