The signing of a landmark partnership between Insignia and FK Austria Wien marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the club’s history. With a shared vision for success, we have established a joint marketing entity, FK Austria Wien Int. Marketing GmbH, that will bring fresh opportunities to the club while preserving its cherished identity and traditions.
This innovative partnership is structured to respect the integrity of FK Austria Wien while leveraging Insignia’s global network to enhance the club’s commercial potential. FK Austria Wien AG remains 100% owned by the club, with its colours and emblem unchanged. Furthermore, all FIFA, UEFA, and ÖFBL regulations will be fully adhered to, ensuring compliance at the highest level.
The primary role of the newly formed marketing company is to attract international sponsors, tapping into Insignia’s extensive global connections. At the same time, existing partnerships with long-standing sponsors will continue to be upheld without restrictions, ensuring that the club’s valued supporters remain integral to its progress.
Beyond securing new sponsorships, this collaboration is designed to strengthen FK Austria Wien’s professional teams, helping the club achieve sustained success on both national and international stages. With additional resources now in place, the club’s ambitions to reclaim its place among European football’s elite are closer than ever.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Speaking on the significance of this partnership, Frank Hensel, President of FK Austria Wien, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We are, of course, delighted with this significant partnership with Insignia. For FK Austria Wien, this is a vital strategic step towards the future. We have been preparing for this transition for quite some time to ensure the sustainable development of the club, and now that everything has been finalised, we can look ahead with long-term security. My sincere thanks go to everyone involved in the process. Their dedication, trust, and professionalism throughout the intensive discussions over the past months have been outstanding.”
Echoing these sentiments, Markus Kraetschmer, CEO of FK Austria Wien, described the agreement as a milestone moment:
“We are thrilled to have found a strong and reliable partner in Insignia. This is an important step in FK Austria Wien’s history. From our very first discussions, Insignia’s representatives recognised the strengths of our club – from our modern infrastructure to our deep-rooted tradition in Austrian football. It was immediately clear that the foundations were already in place, and together we will build upon them. However, it is equally important for us to keep all our loyal partners and supporters fully engaged as we move forward. I extend my gratitude to the committee members, staff, and external advisors who have played a key role in making this partnership a reality.”
Insignia’s Commitment to FK Austria Wien’s Future
At Insignia, we recognise the immense potential of FK Austria Wien and are committed to a long-term vision of success. For Luka Sur, Vice President of Insignia Lifestyle Group, this partnership holds special significance:
*“Vienna has always been close to my heart – I was born here, and a large part of my family still lives in this wonderful city. That emotional connection makes this project even more meaningful to me. FK Austria Wien is a club with a proud history, passionate fans, and an outstanding infrastructure. Combined with Vienna’s reputation as a strong global brand, we see great opportunities ahead.
We also acknowledge that this is a long-term journey that requires dedication and hard work. This is just the beginning, and while challenges lie ahead, we are fully committed to working together to ensure the success of this project.”*
Acknowledgements
FK Austria Wien and Insignia would like to extend their sincere gratitude to two external partners for their invaluable assistance during the negotiation process:
• Dr. Stefan Weishaupt, LL.M. MRICS, of Weishaupt Horak Georgiev Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG
• Mr. Robert Hufnagel and his team at Ernst & Young Corporate Finance GmbH
With this strategic partnership now in place, FK Austria Wien and Insignia are setting a course for a bright future, built on ambition, sustainability, and success.
