Leading global investor Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (together with its affiliates, "KKR") and Hertha BSC GmbH & Co. KGaA have entered a strategic partnership. The long-term investment of EUR 61.2 million under the agreement consists of several components. One of these is the acquisition of a 9.7% minority share in Hertha BSC by KKR. The cooperation will allow for a stepwise deleveraging and the repurchase of rights. By this means, Hertha BSC will sustainably improve its cost and earnings situation, as well as the balance sheet structure of the club.

Johannes P. Huth, head of KKR Europe, said: "We look forward to the opportunity of supporting Hertha BSC as a long-term. Its large and loyal fan base, its unique development programme for young talents and the partner and believe in the significant potential that comes with strengthening the club's position both at home and abroad fact that it is the German capital's leading football club make Hertha an attractive partner for us."

The partnership was initiated with the support of the European investment firm IM1872, which focuses on investments in the area of sports. Together with KKR, IM1872 will partner with Hertha BSC after the closing of the transaction.

Lawyers Dr. Frank Koch, Marc-Oliver Kurth, Dr. Marco Hartmann-Rüppel, Dr. Jan Riebeling, Dr. Holger Schrewe, Dr. Martin Knaup, Dr. Angela Menges, Dr. Norman Röchert, Sebastian Klabunde, Dr. Lea Maria Siering