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Future-oriented structures for successful operations in place – Halter Gruppe AG becomes main shareholder of Pilatus Arena Sports & Events AG

Schlieren, 25 November 2024

The Pilatus Arena, Switzerland's most modern midsize arena for indoor sports and events, is being built in the vibrant Mattenhof district of Kriens (LU). The arena will seat up to 4,500 spectators and will be a central meeting place for exciting sports and unforgettable event experiences. The ambitious project was launched in 2011 by its initiators Toni Bucher and Nick Christen, and Halter AG has been in charge of its development since 2018. The arena is currently in the interior construction phase and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2025. Pilatus Arena Sports & Events AG was founded in November and will be responsible for the sustainable and successful operation of the arena as the operating company. Halter Group AG and Caranto AG from Lucerne are the shareholders.

The interior construction work and preparations for the ‘Pilatus Arena’ are in full swing. The impressive architecture, atmospheric design and technical facilities guarantee electrifying moments and unforgettable experiences. This is complemented by ideal connections to public transport and car network, making the ‘Pilatus Arena’ a first-class event location. The Arena will be the new home of the HC Kriens-Luzern handball team and an excellent platform for first-class events. The focus is on international matches, national finals, world and European championships, concerts, corporate events, conferences, school and university sports. The newly founded operating company Pilatus Arena Sports & Events AG (PASE) is the general tenant of the Arena and is responsible for organising and marketing these events.

The Halter Group has acquired a 70 per cent majority shareholding in the newly established PASE. The remaining 30 per cent is held by Caranto AG, whose experience and operational expertise will help to raise stadium catering to the highest level. The PASE Board of Directors consists of Andreas Campi, Alois Keiser, Markus Mettler (Chairman) and Julia Schwöbel.

Julia Schwöbel, co-owner of Caranto AG, is also a member of the Board of Directors of HC Kriens Luzern AG. Toni Bucher, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pilatus Arena AG building company, comments: ‘The fact that the Halter Group is now also taking over the operation of the Pilatus Arena is an ideal constellation. The cooperation between the partners is well-established and their skills complement each other perfectly.’

With the Halter Group joining as the main shareholder, PASE is becoming part of the Halter Ecosystem. Markus Mettler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PASE, explains: ‘This is in line with our strategy in the Halter Ecosystem of independently positioning companies along the real estate life cycle – from spatial planning to operation – while at the same time linking their know-how and networks within the ecosystem and working together synergistically.’

The next step is to recruit the future operations manager, followed by the gradual expansion of the team. The opening is planned for the fourth quarter of 2025, to be crowned by a home game of HC Kriens Luzern. The ‘Pilatus Arena’ will thus become a first-class destination for sports fans and event enthusiasts from all over Central Switzerland and beyond.

 

Contact: Halter Gruppe AG, Anna Domagala, Marleting-Communication, +41 44 434 27 49 / anna.domagala@halter.ch