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Who are Bayer Leverkusen Owners? A Detailed Look Into Bayer Leverkusen Ownership History & Current Leadership

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Bundesliga / Germany

Bayer 04 Leverkusen is one of the biggest German football teams who currently plays in the Bundesliga, and is also a regular participant in the UEFA Champions League. It is one of the few clubs which follow exceptions to German football's 50+1 ownership scheme. The current Bayer Leverkusen owners are the world's largest pharmaceutical company, Bayer AG who have been in the control of the club since 1999. During the dawn of the club in 1904, it was primarily controlled by the fans and local community like all Herman clubs. But now, at the hands of a powerful brand, Bayer Leverkusen is supported by a masterful financial service of its private owners.
Initially founded by Wilhelm Hauschild and his co-workers in the Friedrich Bayern and Co, the Bundesliga side began its operations as a club of workers. In its historical journey, the Black and Reds have left a lasting impact on Germany's passionate football community by its contribution. However, the perennial runners-up, who have been denied a top podium finish on numerous occasions, finally won their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24 season, ending their top flight trophy wait of almost 100 years, all thanks to the highly-performing owners of Bayer Leverkusen.
Ever since Fernando Carro took charge as the CEO of the German outfit back in 2018, the team has seen a monumental leap in their display in both domestic and European football, with heavily investing on special young talents and keeping the profit book running. According to the financial report published by the Bayer Leverkusen owners in March, 2025, the club has managed to secure a net profit of more than €4.5 million alongside carrying a burden of a negligible debt. Amidst Bayer AG's diverse fiscal challenges, its Bundesliga club continues to be governed smoothly without making a fuss. Below, you will find who is the owner of Bayer Leverkusen football club and the club's ownership history and details.

Who are Bayer Leverkusen Owners?

The German club came into existence in 1904 and was financially supported by Bayern and Co. When it got separated as a different entity in 1999, Bayer AG, the multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company, took over the 100% ownership to continue their operations in football as the Bayer Leverkusen owners, without following the 50+1 ownership rule of the German football federation. From governing the management of the Bundesliga outfit to providing financial aid, the German company overlooks all major and minor changes in the club and its policy. Currently, Fernando Carro is the CEO of Bayer Leverkusen and is often referred to as the President of the club. It must be noted there is no presidential post in the sporting organization.

Bayer Leverkusen Owners

The Bayer Leverkusen football club owner is Bayer AG, a famous German company. The current CEO of the Bundesliga club is helped by a sporting director named Simon Rolfes. These two individuals were appointed by Bayer AG to run the club and take all necessary decisions to maintain a fine rhythm of success which was first savoured in 2024.

PositionName
OwnerBayer AG (100% ownership)
CEOFernando Carro
Managing Director of SportSimon Rolfes
Head CoachErik ten Hag (contract until 2027)

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Bayer AG Primary Business/Source of Income

Bayer AG, the Bayer Leverkusen owners, are involved in the pharmaceutical and life science businesses for over 100 years. Their primary sources of income are from medicine production, consumer healthcare and agricultural crops business. Bayer AG is a global giant in the medical sector and has an annual turnover of over €45 billion in almost every fiscal year.

Bayer Leverkusen Owners Net Worth

The German club is supported by the strong financial backbone of its parent company, Bayer AG, who have made significant contributions for the growth of the club over the years. With a profitable balance sheet, the Bayer Leverkusen owners net worth stands at an estimated value of €27.6 billion, as of August, 2025. They also have a strong backing of net assets worth around €32 billion, according to Forbes.

YearNet Worth
2025€27.6 billion
2024€25.2 billion

Bayer Leverkusen Owners History: From Past to Present

The history of the club's ownership is strongly rooted with the passion of the works team of Bayer AG, Bayer Leverkusen owners. Since its inception in 1904, the Black and Whites have remained under the corporate umbrella, thus making them the most stable football organization in German football. While many clubs in Bundesliga and lower divisions have witnessed a shift of ownership over the course of history to remain functional and avoid shutdown due to financial crunches, Leverkusen has remained stable with its robust ownership structure. Since its foundation, it has never been sold, with Bayer AG always holding the 100% stake of the club, thus showing their commitment to continuing their influence in Bayer Leverkusen and its competitive ambition.

CEO / Managing DirectorTenure
Reiner Calmund1999 – 2004
Wolfgang Holzhäuser2004 – 2013
Michael Schade2013 – 2018
Fernando Carro de Prada2018 – Present

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Bayer Leverkusen Owners?

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German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG are Bayer Leverkusen owners.

How much is Bayer Leverkusen owners Net Worth?

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The Bayer Leverkusen owners net worth can be estimated around €27.6 million.

Who are the major shareholders of Bayer Leverkusen?

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As of 2025, the owners of Bayer Leverkusen, Bayer AG hold 100% shares of the club. 

Who was the first owner of Bayer Leverkusen?

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Bayer AG was the first owner of Bayer Leverkusen and the company still holds its ownership.

What is Bayer Leverkusen owners primary business?

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The Bayer Leverkusen owners primary businesses are - pharmaceutical production and agricultural crop making.