Kaiserslautern Fc are nervous about their new investors

[EastStandRed]

Entry of PMG at FCK is viewed critically

In addition to the sporting situation, Thomas Hilmes and his team from the online forum "Der Betze brennt" always keep a close eye on what's happening on the Betze outside of the football pitch. Long before it became known in March that Pacific Media Group (PMG), a new investor, was joining FCK, Hilmes was involved with the group of investors. As is well known, talks between PMG and FCK have been going on for several months. The Red Devils are the eighth club in Europe that PMG has invested in. These include, for example, AS Nancy in France, KV Ostend in Belgium, FC Barnsley in England - and now just under ten percent of the shares in FCK.

PMG usually looks for lower-class clubs in order to develop them further. Founder Paul Conway recently said in an interview that the aim is not to throw money around, but to develop talent - based on the data and statistics of the players. That is almost normal in US professional sports.

Fans of other PMG clubs are dissatisfied with the investor

However, there is also a lot of criticism of the Pacific Media Group and its business model. Comparisons are often made to Red Bull and its multi-club network with clubs like Leipzig and Salzburg. Even among the FCK fans, the euphoria after the PMG entry became known was limited.

FCK fans with a banner against investor PMG (Photo: Der Betze brennt)
Criticism of the PMG investor group: "FCK is the pride of the region and not part of a multi-club network!"
Outright expressions of condolence came via Twitter from fans of other clubs where PMG is already active. In Barnsley and Nancy in particular, people are dissatisfied with the investor. No wonder, both clubs are in last place in their leagues and there is a risk of falling into third division.


Different investors and interests at FCK

At FCK, it is important to differentiate between old and new investors. On the one hand there is the regional investor group, made up of business people who have roots in the region. "They have an FCK heart, but are still tough businessmen who also contribute their interests," explains Thomas Hilmes.

Too little information about Pacific Media Group's entry into FCK

Now you have got an international investor. "Although the information was pretty sparse from those involved and from the FCK. For example, no names were mentioned at all," says Hilmes skeptically. Many FCK fans also criticize the fact that too few details were known about the entry of PMG. According to information from Thomas Hilmes and "Der Betze brennt", just under ten percent of the FCK shares were deliberately sold to PMG. "As a result, no seat on the advisory board is possible at the moment, so less influence. Although one would have to ask how great the influence would be with a seat on the advisory board."

Shares of FCK e.V. in the corporation decreased

It was agreed between FCK e.V., the regional investors and PMG that PMG would acquire its shares through a capital increase. As a result, FCK e.V.'s share fell from 67 to around 57 percent because the club had no money to acquire further shares in the event of a capital increase. "But there is no official information about this, but according to our information, the regional investors went along with the capital increase, put in a little more money and are still at 33 percent."

PMG is said to have paid around three million euros for the almost ten percent stake in the FCK capital company. Together with the money that the regional investors have invested in new shares as part of the capital increase, Hilmes estimates the total volume at around 3.3 million euros. This money flows into the corporation. This secures the license for both the second and third leagues. In the event of promotion, there would also be fresh money to strengthen the squad.

PMG's investment in FCK continues to be viewed critically

It remains to be seen how the development of the Red Devils will continue after the entry of the Pacific Media Group. As long as PMG holds just under ten percent of the shares in the FCK corporation, Thomas Hilmes considers the influence of the investor group to be manageable. However, since it cannot be ruled out that something will change in the future, Hilmes and his colleagues from "Der Betze brennt" will continue to take a critical look at what is happening on and off the pitch on the Betzenberg.

[animallittle3]

Don't let them get their greedy hands on more than 10% .

You will regret it .

[SBRed48]

BEWARE FC KAISERSLAUTERN.

The Arseoyle speaks with forked tongue.

[EastStandRed]

Paul Conway meddling straightaway!!

From a Bundesliga journalist……

“Big news coming out of Kaiserslautern:

Manager Marco Antwerpen has been sacked! Having just missed out on automatic promotion, FCK are in the play-offs.

Antwerpen has completely transformed this club from near relegation to promotion in just 12 months. Absolute madness.”

[animallittle3]

Paul Conway meddling straightaway!!

From a Bundesliga journalist……

“Big news coming out of Kaiserslautern:

Manager Marco Antwerpen has been sacked! Having just missed out on automatic promotion, FCK are in the play-offs.

Antwerpen has completely transformed this club from near relegation to promotion in just 12 months. Absolute madness.”

I'd imagine the manager has seen straight through Conway and told him some home truths .

Seems bizarre to sack a manager just before the play offs .