Lok Leipzig: Wernze Family Relinquishes Last Shares, Club Now Sole Owner
Family of investors transfers all shares of Lok, making him the sole proprietor. - Family investor removes other shareholders, granting Lok full ownership
Dive into the intriguing saga of Lok Leipzig, a staple in Germany's Football Regional League, as the Wernze family, late patron Franz-Josef Wernze's kin, hands back the remaining shares they held in the club. A passionate supporter who passed away in 2023, Wernze had been a backbone for the team through his actions and financial aid.
With this transfer of shares, "FC Lokomotive Leipzig, Verein für Bewegungsspiele e.V." officially stands as the sole proprietor of the Spielbetriebs GmbH, as per the announcement by the Leipzig-based club. In 2020, Wernze, unanimously lauded as an honorary member, played a pivotal role in renovating the training hall. To honor his commitment, the club's board has decided to baptize this refurbished hall as "Franz-Josef-Wernze-Halle," a testament to his enduring legacy.
Aiming high, Lok Leipzig missed out on promotion to the third league in the relegation playoffs at the beginning of June and will continue their quest next season in the Regionalliga.
Engage further with the fascinating history, ownership transitions, and challenges faced by this esteemed club:
- Rich Past: From its inception as VfB Leipzig in 1893 up to the post-reunification era, Lok Leipzig has a complex and compelling history, marked by changes and ongoing growth.
- Historic Achievements: Witness the club's earlier triumphs, including multiple Deutsche Meister titles and the Tschammer Pokal, along with winning the East German national cup, the FDGB Pokal, three times.
- Transition and Adjustment: Delve into the club's post-unification journey, coping with financial difficulties and a series of ownership transitions that impacted its position in the German league system.
Learn more about Lok Leipzig's community support, historical significance, and its contrasting path with the likes of RB Leipzig, offering a captivating glimpse into the storied history of this legendary German football team.
In the spirit of Franz-Josef Wernze's enduring support, Lok Leipzig, now the sole owner of its club, will continue to invest in its community through the renovation of facilities, such as the newly-named "Franz-Josef-Wernze-Halle."
Despite missing promotion this season, Lok Leipzig remains committed to its rich past and historic achievements, striving to maintain its significance in the Regionalliga and beyond.
