German investors make 'significant' investment in Dunfermline Athletic

Individuals behind a group from Germany have made a 'significant' investment in Dunfermline Athletic.

DAFC Fussball GmbH now hold 30% of the enlarged share capital of the Pars.

There is also the option available for the group to secure a further 45.1% by no later than the end of May 2022.

If that happens, then the group will also hold another option to purchase the company which owns the East End Park stadium by May 2024.

The investors are based in Hamburg.

They are Thomas Meggle, Damir Keretic, Nick Teller and Dr Albrecht Gundermann.

Three of them will join the club's Board of Directors with immediate effect.

Damir Keretic said: "At DAFC we found a club with a long tradition and heritage, run by a professional Board of Directors located in a community firmly standing behind its local club."

Keretic also revealed an original investment to acquire 75.1% of the share capital at the club was scheduled to be completed in late March.

But the coronavirus pandemic put a hold to progress with that.

He added: "It is important for us to be closely and directly involved in the club - attending board meetings and matches, meeting supporters, sponsors and such like, so the various Covid-19 restrictions on travel meant that we felt it better to delay our full investment until we could avoid being absentee owners."

Chairman of Dunfermline Athletic Ross McArthur thinks the involvement of the group can be 'transformative' for the Pars.

He said: "We believe that this change to our ownership structure will be an enormous step forward in the achievement of our goals, but crucially, our culture and community ethos will not be diluted.

"It was abundantly clear during our discussions, that DAFC Fussball GmbH share the same beliefs, morals and ethics as ourselves.

"The DAFC Board realised that not only did we require further capital but that we also would benefit from fresh ideas, knowledge, relationships and innovation to help us achieve our goals."

McArthur also said the investors will allow for access to a scouting network in Germany and wider Europe.

He added: "As football people, they know that every football club has its ups and downs and that you need to take a patient, long-term approach to succeed.

"They understand the benefits of growing your own talent and selling on at the right time."

Meanwhile, Stevie Crawford's side kick off their Championship league campaign in less than seven weeks time.

Their first match is at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday 17th October.

The Pars have three other games before that in the Betfred Cup against Dumbarton, Falkirk and Kilmarnock on the 6th, 9th and 13th October respectively.