Yanmar, a Japanese company known for its industrial equipment and commitment to sports, has successfully completed its acquisition of Almere City FC, a professional football club based in the Netherlands. The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) granted final approval for the takeover, which was first announced in July 2025. The acquisition became official on October 31, 2025.

This move represents a pivotal moment for Almere City FC, which has been in a partnership with Yanmar for over a decade as the club’s stadium sponsor. John Bes, the CEO of Almere City FC, expressed optimism about the future, stating that this acquisition lays a solid foundation for the club’s ambitions. He emphasized the confidence that this transition brings to Almere City’s strategic goals.

Samir Laoukili, CEO of Yanmar Europe B.V., highlighted the natural synergy between Yanmar and Almere City FC, underscoring their commitment to fostering sustainable growth in both sports and the local community. Yanmar’s long-standing presence in Almere since 1989 adds to the significance of this acquisition, as the company aims to leverage its football expertise and local ties to enhance the club’s performance.

Sponsors

The previous owner, Kroonenberg Groep, which held ownership of Almere City FC since 2010, will continue to support the club as its main sponsor. Lesley Bamberger, CEO of Kroonenberg Groep, expressed pride in the foundation built during their ownership and wished Yanmar success in leading the club into a new era.

Yanmar’s involvement in football is not new; the company has owned Cerezo Osaka, a team in Japan’s J1 League, since 1957. With the acquisition of Almere City FC, Yanmar now holds ownership of one of the youngest professional football clubs in the Netherlands, which has seen fluctuating success in recent years, including stints in the Eredivisie, the country’s top league.

Almere City FC, founded in 2005, has ambitions to grow and compete at higher levels, and with Yanmar’s backing, the club hopes to realize its potential in the competitive landscape of Dutch football. The partnership is expected to bring new resources and strategies to the club, aiming for a brighter future in the sport.