Zug, Switzerland/Tampa, USA – Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd., one of the leading Chinese conglomerates and China's largest investor in cultural and entertainment sector, has announced today that Infront Sports & Media and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) with its IRONMAN brand will be integrated in a newly formed entity named Wanda Sports Holding Co., Ltd. and are to be rebranded accordingly. The announcement follows the formal closing of the WTC’s acquisition by Wanda Group.
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Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd. announced a new holding: Wanda Sports Holding Co., Ltd. will incorporate both Infront Sports & Media and the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) with its IRONMAN brand. Logo: Dalian Wanda Group
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Logo: Infront Sports & Media
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Logo: World Triathlon Corporation, Inc.
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Wanda Sports will build on the successful strategies of Infront and WTC (IRONMAN). It will be based on three core business pillars – Spectator Sports (Media & Marketing business), Participation Sports (Active Lifestyle business) and Services (Production, Digital & Service business).
Relying on a truly international network, Wanda Sports’ operational headquarters will be in Zug, Switzerland. The holding company is based in China. The Active Lifestyle business will be led by WTC (IRONMAN) Chief Executive Officer Andrew Messick from Tampa, Florida, USA.
Wang Jianlin, Chairman of Wanda Group, said: “Wanda has a very high expectation for the development and prospects of the sports industry. The significance of establishing Wanda Sports is not only to integrate Wanda's interests in sports, but also to truly expand and strengthen Wanda's businesses in the industry, while at the same time grasping the rapidly growing opportunities in the Chinese sports market. We want to truly impact the development of sport around the world.”
Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Wanda Sports, added: “The integration of Infront and the WTC with its iconic IRONMAN brand under the roof of Wanda Sports represents an important step in the expansion of Wanda Group’s strategic investment in the global sports business. Under the new structure we expect the growth and acceleration of the company’s impressive portfolio of both spectator and participation sports based on the shared networks and resources of the integrated companies. All valued partners and clients as well as millions of sports enthusiasts worldwide will benefit. The new structure will provide continuity and stability, a much enhanced service offering and strengthened resources in event development and delivery.”
In the following months, the management of Wanda Sports will further review the entity’s structure to maximise strategic alignment. Further details will be announced in the course of Q1/2016.
