Borussia Dortmund announce record turnover

 

German Bundesliga football club Borussia Dortmund has announced it has generated its highest ever turnover during the past financial year.

In a statement, the club said group revenue increased by 37 per cent year-on-year to €376.3m (£324m) in the 12 months through to June 30, 2016. Excluding transfer fees, group revenue rose by almost seven per cent to a record €281.3m (£242.1m), while profits after tax were up more than 400 per cent to €29.4m (£25.3m).

The group's operating result before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) amounted to €86.7m (£74.9m), which was up by around 55 per cent on the previous year. Managing director Thomas Treß estimated the value of Borussia Dortmund – which was the runner-up in last season’s Bundesliga - to be "around three quarters of a billion euro".

Chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said the financial performance was a "clear sign of BVB's earnings power" and outlined further growth opportunities in national and international TV marketing, the upcoming reform of the Uefa Champions League and the club’s ongoing efforts to boost its global brand.

However, while Watzke also reiterated the club’s pursuit of international expansion, he added that there would be a "balancing act between the Borsigplatz and Shanghai" and promised that ticket and catering prices in Signal Iduna Park would remain stable. The club said that prices were not increased at all this year, and in the future will only rise "by the inflation rate at a maximum". Watzke maintained this is “our contribution to the balance of Borussia Dortmund's growth”.

Since the 2010-11 financial year Borussia Dortmund has generated a total net profit in the region of €131m (£113m). Thus far the club’s shareholders have received dividends amounting to roughly 20 per cent of this figure.

Watzke added that the club’s medium-term turnover objective is to break the €400m barrier. He added: “To achieve this, it is important to be one of the major players. Our sporting and financial footing is unparalleled in Borussia Dortmund's 107-year history.”

The figures for 2015-16 were secured without participation in the lucrative Champions League.

JC