Advising Free State of Thuringia on restructuring the professional sports facilities (biathlon) in Oberhof

Oberhof-Sportstätten GmbH is to operate all sports and tourism facilities of the winter resort in the future. This includes the nationally renowned biathlon professional sports hall, the ski jumping facilities, the bobsled track and other professional and recreational sports facilities.

Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft Thüringen mbH is the majority shareholder with a stake of 51 percent. The Schmalkalden-Meiningen district and the City of Oberhof each hold 24.5 percent. Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek advised the state of Thuringia on changing the operating structures.

In the future, all tourism and sports assets will be outsourced to a non-profit entity (gGmbH), thus primarily securing the professional sports operation. Since the gGmbH is not geared towards making a profit, it can continue to receive funding for professional sports. The touristic facilities, however, will be operated by a profit-oriented German limited liability company. The separation of the companies assures additionally that funds for professional sports are not used in tourism.

The Thuringia state parliament meanwhile approved the concept drafted by Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek of creating a centralized organizational structure in Oberhoft. The ministries involved are currently preparing the implementation of the concept, which for tax reasons must be completed by December 31, 2012.

Counsel to Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft Thüringen mbH:
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek, Munich
Dr. Armin Frhr. von Grießenbeck (Lead; Real Estate Law, Public Private Partnerships)
Dr. Annette Bruder (Real Estate Law)
Dr. Wolfgang Renner (Public Procurement Law)
Anne Kleffmann (Employment Law)