The new majority owner of the football club FC Viktoria Plzeň is Palatua a.s., a company owned by Czech entrepreneur Michal Strnad, the owner of the industrial and technology group CSG. The club’s management remains unchanged: Adolf Šádek will continue as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Martin Dellenbach will remain a board member. This is a private investment by Michal Strnad, not an investment by the CSG group, which he also owns. Therefore, FC Viktoria Plzeň, a.s. will not become part of this group.

Today, Palatua a.s. signed a contract to acquire a majority shareholding in FC Viktoria Plzeň. Palatua a.s., wholly owned by Michal Strnad, thus becomes the new majority owner of the club.

“I am happy that Viktoria Plzeň has gained a strong Czech majority owner who has built a global industrial group with deep roots right here in the Czech Republic. I look forward to partnering with Michal Strnad. We face many great challenges ahead, and we are excited to meet them together. A new chapter in Plzeň football begins!” said Adolf Šádek, who will continue to lead the club as Chairman of the Board and CEO.

Adolf Šádek will also retain a minority share, as will Swiss entrepreneur Martin Dellenbach. “Together with the new shareholder and Adolf Šádek, we will continue to strategically develop Viktoria Plzeň with a clear focus on systematic talent development and economic sustainability. I am very pleased that we can build on the previous progressive period and take another step toward a successful future for the club,” said Martin Dellenbach.

Michal Strnad also outlined his vision: “Viktoria Plzeň is a club with a rich history and immense significance for the city of Plzeň and the entire region. It is an honour for me 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 remain firmly among the top Czech teams and to be a regular participant in European competitions. I also recognize the importance of partnerships with the City of Plzeň and its administration, with the Plzeň Region, and with all club partners. Together we will continue to work closely on developing Plzeň football.”

The new owner’s priorities extend beyond elite competitions – he sees the club’s future strongly rooted in youth development: “It’s not just about top-tier football. My ambition is to fully support the Plzeň football academy. I believe the future of Czech football lies in youth, and Viktoria can undoubtedly play one of the key roles in that. My aim is not short-term success, but long-term, sustainable growth of the club – both in sports and in economic terms. I want Viktoria to be more than just a football club: to become a powerful brand that inspires young players and represents Plzeň and Czech football both at home and in Europe.”

Michal Strnad also commented on cooperation with Adolf Šádek: “I have great respect for Adolf Šádek. Thanks to him, Viktoria Plzeň overcame the crisis it faced three years ago. Viktoria is fortunate to have such a strong personality in its leadership. He will continue to have full responsibility for the management and further development of the club, regardless of the change in majority ownership,” the new owner concluded.

The completion of the transaction is subject to approval by the Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS). Palatua a.s. and Viktoria Plzeň ask the media, fans, and the public for patience. Until the ÚOHS has approved the transaction, no further information about the process will be provided.

“Once all the necessary formalities are completed, we will be happy to provide our fans, partners, and the public with further information. We therefore kindly ask for your patience,” explained club spokesperson Václav Hanzlík.

About FC Viktoria Plzeň

FC Viktoria Plzeň is one of the most successful Czech football clubs. Over the past fifteen years, it has won the league title six times and has qualified four times for the prestigious UEFA Champions League, where it has faced giants such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. In its modern history, the club has played more than 150 European matches and has left a significant mark in the Europa League and the Conference League, where it reached a historic quarterfinal. Its players regularly appear in national teams across virtually all age categories.

The club is closely connected to the city of Plzeň and the entire region. It enjoys a large fan base and plays its home matches at the modern Doosan Arena, which is typically sold out. Viktoria Plzeň also places strong emphasis on youth development, having recently built modern facilities for its academy, whose graduates are successfully moving into the first team. CSR activities are another key pillar of the club, aimed at helping and bringing joy where needed.

Media Contact

Mgr. Václav Hanzlík, Communications Director

Tel.: +420 602 168 063

Email: hanzlik@fcviktoria.cz

About Michal Strnad

Michal Strnad is the owner and CEO of the global industrial and technology group CSG. The group delivers technologies worldwide that contribute to a safer and more stable future. CSG focuses on the development and production of strategically important products, systems, and technologies in the fields of defence, aerospace, automotive, and other industries. Strnad has led the group since 2013 and became its sole owner in 2018.

Under his leadership, CSG has transformed into a global player and a leader in both small- and large-calibre ammunition production. Key members of the group include Czech land-systems producer Excalibur Army, Czech automaker Tatra Trucks, Slovak artillery ammunition producer MSM Group, U.S. small-calibre ammunition producer The Kinetic Group, and Czech radar manufacturer Eldis. CSG employs more than 14,000 people across its integrated and affiliated companies. In 2024, CSG’s revenues, including The Kinetic Group for the full year, reached EUR 5.2 billion, with consolidated revenues of EUR 4 billion.

Alongside CSG’s growth, Michal Strnad is also active in supporting sports and the non-profit sector. The group recently became a partner of the Czech Olympic Team. In 2024, the CSG Foundation was established, focusing on supporting volunteer firefighters, talented students, and employees’ charitable initiatives. In autumn 2024, CSG donated 12 Tatra vehicles to Czech firefighters to help deal with the aftermath of floods.

Press Service Czechoslovak Group a.s.

Andrej Čírtek, spokesperson

Tel.: +420 602 494 208

Email: andrej.cirtek@czechoslovakgroup.cz