From Patron to Legacy: The Wernze Family's Impact on 1. FC Lok Leipzig
Investor Family Transfers Ownership of Lok to Sole Shareholder Role - Family investors cede control, leaving Lok as sole shareholder
Heads up! Grab a cuppa and settle in, folks. We're diving into the heartwarming tale of a family's affection for football and a local club's transformation.
The death of entrepreneur Franz-Josef Wernze, a man who'd turn 77 this year, left a lasting void in the 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig family. As a proud lifetime patron, he had showered the regional league football team with generous actions and finances. Now, this beloved benefactor's family has returned the club's remaining family-owned shares, making 1. FC Lok Leipzig Association for Ball Games e.V the sole shareholder of the match operations GmbH.
Wernze, a force to be reckoned with in the German business world as the founder and long-term CEO of the ETL-Gruppe, was unanimously appointed an honorary member by the general assembly in 2020. He left an indelible mark on the club by personally overseeing the renovation of the club's training hall. In tribute, the club's board has decided to rename this hall the "Franz-Josef-Wernze-Halle," ensuring his spirit lives on.
Speaking of spirit, remember when 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig missed out on promotion to the third league in early June? Well, they're gearing up for another attempt in the Regionalliga next season.
Franz-Josef Wernze's influence on the club extended far beyond his substantial financial contributions. He was a key player in reclaiming the club's logo, securing the leasehold for the Bruno-Plache-Stadion, and the construction of the first artificial turf pitch in 2019. With his personal touch, Wernze felt less like a sponsor and more like a cherished companion of the club, investing not just money but also his profound passion and vision for its future.
Even after his untimely demise in April 2023, Wernze's family honored his memory by returning his shares in the club – about 35% of the operating company valued at around three million euros. A gesture of extraordinary trust and loyalty if there ever was one.
Let's not forget the time Wernze was recognized as an honorary member of the club in 2020 in tribute to his relentless efforts. His legacy continues to shine brightly on 1. FC Lok Leipzig's recent history and ongoing success.
So, there you have it – a glimpse into the incredible impact one man and his family have had on a beloved regional football club. Here's to the Wernze family and their enduring commitment to 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig! Go team! 🏃♂️💧⚽️💪🏆🎉🎉🎉🎊🎈🎓🌟💖💔💔💔❤️💛💙😢😢😢💔💜💝💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Community aid will be provided by the Wernze family as they donate the remaining family-owned shares of 1. FC Lok Leipzig, paving the way for community development and potential construction of new facilities. In addition, the family's dedication to football extends beyond financial contributions, as they continue to support local sports, such as football.
