City Football Group has agreed the acquisition of Belgian Football Club, Lommel SK. The investment further grows CFG’s global presence and focus on developing clubs, academies and players. As part of CFG’s network of clubs, Lommel will contribute to and benefit from the sharing of knowledge and experience across the Group. Completion of the agreement follows the renewal of Club’s professional footballing licence.
Lommel SK, currently in the Belgian second division, plays its home games at the city-owned 8,000 capacity Soevereinstadion in Lommel, in the province of Limburg. Renowned for a strong Academy and focus on youth development, the history of the Club dates back almost a century.
The newly comprised Club board will include Paul Kerkhofs, president of the Foundation from which CFG acquired the majority of the Club.
CFG, the world’s leading private owner and operator of football clubs, which is best known for its ownership of English Premier League Champions, Manchester City FC, also comprises New York City in the US, Melbourne City FC in Australia, Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, Montevideo City Torque in Uruguay, Girona FC in Spain, Sichuan Jiuniu FC in China and Mumbai City FC in India.
Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive of City Football Group, said:
“We are excited to welcome Lommel SK to City Football Group and to work together with the fans and the city to develop the Club. Belgium is one of Europe’s best football countries as demonstrated by the success of the national team and the development of world-class players, some of whom we know very well, like Kevin De Bruyne and Vincent Kompany.
“This investment is part of our long-term strategy to be present in key football countries, play beautiful football and develop talent. We were attracted to Lommel’s culture, training facilities and commitment to youth development and we look forward to learning from their approach and helping the Club to evolve in the months and years ahead.”
Paul Kerkhofs, President of the Lommel Not for Profit Foundation, added:
“We are delighted that City Football Group has chosen to acquire Lommel and ensure the future of our Club. We are extremely impressed with their philosophy, track record and approach and look forward to working together to take the Club forward.”
Bob Nijs, Mayor of Lommel, added:
“Lommel SK is an incredibly important part of our community. In City Football Group we have an ambitious, stable and reliable partner, which is committed to developing young players and will help the Club to grow and succeed in the future. It is excellent news for the Club and for the City”.