Bundesliga: the U.S. investment fund KKR will invest €61.2 million into Hertha Berlin

The U.S. investment fund KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) is now a strategic partner of Hertha Berlin (Bundesliga) and will invest €61.2 million into the club, announced Hertha CFO Ingo Schiller, on 31/01/2014. The fund is committed for "at least seven years," said the club, until 2021.

KKR gets a minority stake of 9.7% in the Berlin club. This agreement will allow Hertha to cover its debts, which amounted to €36.8 million, to see the future with greater confidence and to "offer more freedom" in the transfer market, said club technical director Michael Preetz.

"This agreement is revolutionary. But Hertha will remain the club it is today," said club president Werner Gegenbauer. "This is the happiest day since I am based at Hertha. This is the ideal partner," added the CFO Schiller.

• "The capital club is an attractive partner because of a large and loyal base of supporters and an excellent program for young players," said Johannes P. Huth, European head of KKR.

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