Yanmar Signs Agreement to Acquire Almere City FC

Kroonenberg Groep to remain as main sponsor

Yanmar is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Kroonenberg Groep regarding the acquisition of all shares in Almere City FC, as well as the club’s stadium. Yanmar has had a presence in Almere since 1989 and has been the stadium sponsor of the club for the past ten years. The proposed transaction is subject to approval by the licensing committee of the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).

With the intended acquisition, Almere City FC and Yanmar are taking their longstanding partnership to the next level. “Yanmar has been the name owner of our stadium since 2015 and is one of our most loyal and committed business partners. This feels like a natural next step in our collaboration,” says John Bes, CEO of Almere City FC. “It underlines Yanmar’s confidence in the strategy and potential of Almere City. The combination of a strong local network and Yanmar’s international expertise will strengthen and likely accelerate the development of the club, especially with Kroonenberg Groep remaining as main sponsor.”

In recent years, the club has focused on building a solid foundation with sustainable and controlled growth – a vision shared by Yanmar and Kroonenberg Groep. Yanmar aims to build on the existing organisation and is pleased to confirm that continuity is ensured with the current management and independent supervisory board members remaining in place. The intended acquisition will not have any impact on staff.

Samir Laoukili, CEO of Yanmar Europe B.V., Yanmar’s EMEA headquarters based in Almere, states:

“Yanmar has been present in Almere since 1989 and has long been closely connected to the city, the region and its people. This step allows us to deepen that bond and to contribute to the club’s sustainable sporting and social development. Our decades of experience in football – Yanmar has owned a professional club in Japan since 1957 – and in global business will support this ambition. But above all, it is our passion for the game and the community of Almere and Flevoland that drives us. We are very enthusiastic about this intended acquisition.”

Lesley Bamberger, CEO of Kroonenberg Groep, on the proposed acquisition of Almere City FC by Yanmar:

“Under the stewardship of Kroonenberg Groep, a strong foundation has been laid for Almere City, both in terms of sports and business. Yanmar is a respected Japanese family-owned company with proven football experience, having owned its own professional club in Japan for decades. We are confident that Yanmar, as the prospective new owner, can take Almere City further, both on and off the pitch. This acquisition is the result of a careful process and a shared vision with Yanmar for the future and continuity of the club. We are pleased with this step and believe the club is heading toward a strong future, one we are proud to continue being part of.”

Yanmar already owner of one of Japan’s oldest professional football clubs

Yanmar is internationally known for its strong involvement in sports, especially football. Since 1957, Yanmar has been the owner of Cerezo Osaka, one of Japan’s oldest professional football clubs. Cerezo Osaka competes in the J1 League, Japan’s highest professional football league, and plays at the Yodoka Sakura Stadium in Osaka, which seats 25,000 spectators. In addition, the club can use the adjacent Yanmar Stadium Nagai, which can accommodate nearly 50,000 spectators. Cerezo Osaka has produced legendary Japanese players such as Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United) and Takumi Minamino (Liverpool FC). With the intended acquisition of Almere City FC, Yanmar would also become the owner of the youngest professional football club in the Netherlands.

At Yanmar, football is more than a passion — it reflects the company’s identity. The phrase “Football is our engine” expresses how the sport drives Yanmar’s engagement with communities, innovation and global connection. Just as its industrial engines power progress, football supports Yanmar’s mission to inspire and unite across borders.

Yanmar in Almere since 1989

Yanmar has had its EMEA headquarters and a production facility in Almere since 1989, employing around 300 people. The company is well known in Almere for its active contribution to the city and the province of Flevoland through various social initiatives and employment.

Acquisition subject to approval by the professional football licensing committee

The acquisition of Almere City FC shares by Yanmar is subject to approval by the KNVB’s professional football licensing committee. This committee assesses whether the acquisition complies with licensing requirements applicable within Dutch professional football. Only after receiving a positive outcome from the committee can the transaction be formally completed. The club is fully cooperating with this process and has confidence in a favourable outcome.

No further announcements will be made about the content and details of the acquisition. Almere City FC will provide more information once the licensing committee has issued its decision.