From Defense Industry to Champions League Dreams: Strnad's Bet on Viktoria Plzen
The landscape of Czech football is buzzing with anticipation as Michal Strnad, the influential Czech entrepreneur and owner of the formidable Czechoslovak Group (CSG), officially steps into the top tier of the sport. Through his private investment company, Palatua a.s., Strnad has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in FC Viktoria Plzeň, a.s., the entity owning the famed FC Viktoria Plzeň football club.
This significant transaction, which is currently awaiting approval from the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS), promises to usher in a new era for the six-time Czech champions. Importantly, this is a personal investment by Strnad, distinct from his industrial-technological giant CSG, meaning FC Viktoria Plzeň will not become part of the defense and engineering conglomerate.
Vision for the Future: Stability, Youth, and European Ambition
Strnad's entry marks a pivotal moment, with the billionaire articulating a clear and ambitious vision for the club. "Viktoria Plzeň is a club with a rich history and immense significance for the city of Plzeň and the entire region," Strnad stated. "It is an honor to become part of this football story and to build on the excellent work the club has done in the past. I want to assure all fans that my goal is for the club to consistently remain among the top in Czech football and to be a regular participant in European competitions."
Beyond immediate success, Strnad emphasized a long-term commitment to sustainable development and nurturing future talent. "It's not just about the highest football echelons," he added. "My ambition is to maximally support the Plzeň football academy. I believe the future of Czech football lies in its youth, and Viktoria can certainly play a key role in that. My goal is not short-term success, but long-term sustainable development of the club, both sportingly and economically. I want Viktoria to be not just a football club, but a strong brand that inspires young footballers and represents Plzeň and Czech football both at home and in Europe."
Continuity and Trust: Šádek Remains at the Helm
A cornerstone of this new chapter is the continued leadership of Adolf Šádek, who will remain Chairman of the Board and the club's key manager. Strnad expressed full confidence in Šádek, crediting him with revitalizing the club from a crisis situation three years ago.
"I personally value Adolf Šádek," Strnad affirmed. "It is thanks to him that Viktoria Plzeň emerged from the crisis it faced three years ago. It is a stroke of luck for Viktorka to have such a strong personality in its leadership. The Chairman of the Board continues to have full responsibility for the management and further development of the club, regardless of the change in majority ownership."
Šádek himself conveyed his excitement about the new partnership: "I am happy that Viktoria Plzeň is gaining a strong Czech majority owner who has built a global industrial group with strong roots in the Czech Republic. A new chapter in Plzeň football is beginning. I look forward to the partnership with Michal Strnad." Minority shareholder Martin Dellenbach also echoed the sentiment, highlighting the continued strategic focus on talent and economic sustainability.
Beyond the Pitch: Strnad's Expanding Business Empire
While the football world awaits the ÚOHS's decision, Strnad’s business endeavors continue to expand. In a separate development, his company Altavia Trade (also distinct from CSG) is in the process of acquiring Scuderia SF Praha, Scuderia MC Praha, and Scuderia Praha Racing. These companies are specialists in the import, service, and racing activities of luxury Italian automotive brands like Ferrari and Maserati. This transaction is also under review by the ÚOHS, with a decision expected within 20 days. Last year, Scuderia SF Praha alone tripled its net profit to 75.8 million CZK, with revenue climbing by a fifth to 1.426 billion CZK, underscoring the dynamic growth of Strnad's diverse portfolio.
Both parties in the Viktoria Plzeň transaction have requested patience from media, fans, and the public until the ÚOHS approval is granted, after which further details will be released.
As one of the Czech Republic's most prominent businessmen pours his resources and vision into a beloved football club, the question on everyone's mind is: Can Michal Strnad's ambition and strategic acumen propel Viktoria Plzeň to unprecedented heights, cementing its legacy not just in Czech football, but across Europe? The journey has just begun.
