Purchase price of 1 euro

Is the Kasberg takeover about to fall through?

The takeover of Almtal Bergbahnen is in danger of falling through just before the finish line.(Bild: Wolfgang Spitzbart)

In February, state politicians were celebrated for saving the Kasberg; in May, the state government decided to allocate 1.1 million euros for emergency measures; now the takeover is on the verge of collapse. “There are no viable prospects for tourism,” says the “Lebenswertes Almtal” development cooperative.

“We’re keeping our word; we’ve stabilized the Kasberg and are now working on a sustainable future as a family ski resort. The discussions are well advanced, and from our perspective, the negotiations are in the home stretch. Now it’s a matter of seriously resolving the last remaining issues and creating a solution that will be sustainable in the long term. I am confident that this will succeed if both sides are willing.” Governor Thomas Stelzer leaves no room for doubt. Politicians want the ski resort in the Almtal to remain in operation. This makes the press release from the “Lebenswertes Almtal” development cooperative all the more surprising. “The planned takeover of Almtal Bergbahnen is in danger of falling through right at the finish line! Discussions regarding the acquisition of the company shares by TTG (Traunsee Touristik GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of OÖ Seilbahnholding) are on the verge of breaking down, as the representatives of the State of Upper Austria are not prepared to guarantee the Almtal a viable tourism outlook in exchange for the transfer of operations,” the statement reads. Karl Drack and Michael Stadler, the board members of the “Lebenswertes Almtal” promotional cooperative handling this matter, emphasize: “We are more than willing to transfer our shares and the operation to the State of Upper Austria for a symbolic purchase price of 1.00 euro. In return, however, we expect a contractual provision that provides the Almtal with planning certainty even beyond next year’s state election. As a minimum investment, the construction of a modern snowmaking system, as well as the maintenance of the group chairlift or the construction of a replacement lift, must be guaranteed. This would ensure continued operations at least until the year 2040.”

On February 27, state political leaders declared the Kasberg saved—we now want this guarantee to be put in writing.

Karl Drack, Fördergenossenschaft lebenswertes Almtal

Bild: Andrea Kloimstein

Half a million already invested
Together with the “Kasberg Patrons”—a group of committed companies and private individuals from the region—a sum in the range of 500,000 euros has already been invested to secure the upcoming ski seasons. On behalf of the remaining shareholders, the board members of the “Lebenswertes Almtal” support cooperative state: “The time for experimentation is over. We have made significant upfront investments for the future of the ski resort, including a motivated and newly trained team of employees for winter operations, purchased a new ticketing system and a Skidoo, cleared paths for ski runs and lifts, and addressed the most urgent part of the investment backlog we inherited from the previous operators. We’re not interested in just muddling through without a clear plan just to get past the next election. On February 27, state political leaders declared the Kasberg saved—and now, as part of the transfer of our company shares, we want that guarantee to be put in writing.”

Some Negotiation Points Still Open
Negotiations are still taking place daily, and some points remain unresolved. Almtal Bergbahnen’s primary concern is a new snowmaking system—this is the only way to secure the ski resort’s future. “I believe we can make it happen. We’re at 98 percent agreement, and we’ll tackle the last two points as well,” says Fritz Drack, managing director of Almtal Bergbahnen, optimistically. And Almtal Bergbahnen’s attorney, Dr. Wolfgang Reiser, agrees: “Negotiations have been intense for several weeks; we are confident that we will resolve the remaining issues in the coming days.”

Not the current status
Markus Achleitner, the provincial councilor for economic affairs, also speaks of constructive discussions. He shakes his head at the idea that the takeover might fail. “That does not reflect the current status. Our goal remains a sustainable solution for the Kasberg.”