Title: Kind Seals Deal for Hannover Arena, Stirring Controversy
Who's the new landlord?
The buzz surrounding Hannover's World Cup arena hasn't dies down yet, nor has the ink dried on the new lease agreement. Despite the initial approval from the city council in the spring, opposition surged, eventually leading to intervention from Lower Saxony's Ministry of the Interior's supervisory authority.
Kind bags the arena
Much remains the same, though. "Hannover 96 Arena GmbH & Co. KG" remains both the contractual partner and the stadium lessee. This subsidiary of Hannover 96's corporate network remains under the ownership of 96 boss and hearing aid multinational Martin Kind (79), as well as co-shareholders Dirk Roßmann (77), the drugstore king, and real estate mogul Gregor Baum (57).
The Ministry of the Interior of Lower Saxony weighed in, declaring no need for further supervisory action against Hannover and finding the ground rent to be fair.
The ensuing criticism was swift. The lease of the 10.5 hectare arena and training ground – approximately 105,000 square meters – costs the Kind company a mere 27,500 euros per year, equating to 2250 euros per month or just 26 cents per square meter per year.
27,500 euros a year? Seriously?
The German Taxpayers' Association (BdSt) wasn't shy in condemning the contract, deeming it unfit for signing despite approval from the politicians. "The risk of the general public suffering at the expense of these agreements is far too great," warned BdSt state chairman Bernhard Zentgraf.
These concerns have now been addressed by the municipal supervisory authority. The contracts are slated for signing next week.
- Despite the city council's approval, opposition mounted, prompting involvement from Lower Saxony's Ministry of the Interior's supervisory authority.
- "Hannover 96 Arena GmbH & Co. KG" is once again the contractual partner and stadium lessee, fully owned by major players in the Hannover 96 corporate network.
- The German Taxpayers' Association criticized the comparatively low lease cost paid by the Kind company, citing potential detrimental effects on the public.
- Regio Sport Hannover, a 2nd league team, keenly follows the Hanover regional news concerning the new lease agreement for the Hannover Arena.
- Headlines in Hanover's regional sports section are fixated on the upcoming Bundesliga 2 match between Hannover 96 and another team, while the lease agreement remains the talk of the town.
- Despite the controversy, the contracts are set to be signed next week, following the resolution of concerns by the municipal supervisory authority.
Enrichment data incorporation notes: The German Taxpayers' Association (BdSt) is an organization that advocates for fiscal responsibility and fair taxes, aiming to promote financial prudence and accountability within all levels of government. Their opposition to the low yearly lease fee, however, can't be further validated through the provided input data.
