IRONMAN CEO Andrew Messick announces retirement

IRONMAN CEO Andrew Messick announced retirement, will stay after transition of a new CEO as a member of the board of directors.

Andrew Messick is about to leave both positions as CEO and President of World Triathlon Corporation. Photo: Sportfinisherpix

Mahalo for 12 years dedicated years, Andrew for all positive aspects for triathlon and wisdom to keep the soul of the sport intact and find a mid- and longterm solution to keep all athletes in Kona together. This should be a core priority for all shareholders and stakeholders.

Press release, World Triathlon Corporation

Andrew Messick To Retire After 12 Years as President and Chief Executive Officer of The IRONMAN Group, Leading Company Through Some of Its Most Transformative Years

Under Messick’s leadership the triathlon event organizer became the world’s largest organizer of mass participation events expanding into road running, trail running, road cycling, mountain biking, and digital training platforms - Developed some of the most successful endurance sports series in the world including the IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 series and the UTMB World Series - Led transformation of the company over a decade through multiple ownership groups, ultimately partnering with long-term focused owners Advance and Orkila Capital, to support the future of endurance sport - Messick to remain a Board member of the IRONMAN Group following the appointment of a new CEO

TAMPA, Fla. (July 6, 2023) – After 12 years of transformative leadership, Andrew Messick has announced he will be retiring in 2023 from his position of President & Chief Executive Officer for The IRONMAN Group. Messick will remain a stakeholder and member of the Board of Directors following the recruitment and appointment of a new CEO.

“Being the CEO of The IRONMAN Group has been the professional honor of my life – the most meaningful and purposeful work experience I have had — and I am filled with gratitude for the support of my team members, our partners, and the athlete community over the past 12 years,” said Messick. “I have given all I have to this job and my life has been enriched by the opportunity to build incredible events, meet athlete community members from all over the world, and lead an incredibly dedicated group of colleagues.”

Messick joined The IRONMAN Group in 2011 and led the transition of the organization from a triathlon brand to the world’s largest organizer of mass participation events with a compelling portfolio of hundreds of events annually across more than 50 countries in triathlon, running, trail-running, road cycling, and mountain biking, while also adding digital training platforms and programs for athletes. Key brands acquired or developed alongside the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon series include the UTMB® World Series, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, Epic Series of mountain biking events anchored by the Absa Cape Epic, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™, and FulGaz® virtual cycling digital platform. Throughout his tenure, Messick has tasked his team with creating and delivering opportunities for individuals around the world to experience the life-changing benefits of endurance sports.

Messick continued, “I am proud of the organization we have built with senior leaders and a global team of dedicated individuals who have been the backbone of our success. Combined with a supportive long-term focused ownership group in Advance and Orkila Capital, and a passionate base of athletes, the company is well positioned for the future.”

“Andrew and I first bonded 15 years ago over our shared love for IRONMAN and have worked together since 2011,” said Jesse Du Bey, Managing Partner for Orkila Capital. “It has been amazing to watch the business transform under his leadership. He has been a powerful force in growing The IRONMAN Group – endurance sport, and particularly triathlon – all over the world. We are all grateful for his service to the sport and look forward to his next chapter as a member of the Board.”

“Our partnership with Andrew and confidence in his leadership were critical to Advance’s decision in March of 2020 to acquire The IRONMAN Group while an unprecedented and unpredictable pandemic disruption to the live events industry was well underway,” said Janine Shelffo, Chief Strategy & Development Officer at Advance. “It is thanks to his steady stewardship that The IRONMAN Group has emerged from that disruption well poised to capitalize on the tremendous long-term opportunities we see ahead. I am grateful for his dedication and his longstanding commitment to inspiring athletes worldwide.”

Prior to joining The IRONMAN Group in 2011, Messick served as President of AEG Sports where he played a leading role for its sports teams and properties, including the Amgen Tour of California, Bay to Breakers foot race, Euroleague Basketball, and AEG China. Prior to that, Messick was the Senior Vice President, International for the National Basketball Association where he was responsible for overseeing the NBA’s network of international offices and for leading the NBA’s efforts to globalize.

Messick’s love for endurance sports played a key role in his decision to join The IRONMAN Group as CEO in 2011 and he has been a fixture over the past 12 years at hundreds of events all over the world. Andrew has completed four IRONMAN® triathlons and dozens of IRONMAN® 70.3® events, including the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship; has completed all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors; is an OCC Finisher of UTMB Mont-Blanc; and has competed in cycling events around the world including multiple Haute Route events.

Messick concluded, “Leaving this leadership role with IRONMAN is difficult, as my love for this company runs deep. I did my first IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons nearly two decades ago, long before I had any affiliation with the organization. What I have learned and seen at the races have been some of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I have always been a true believer in the life-changing nature of our races, our mission, and our brand.”

About The IRONMAN Group
The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, IRONKIDS®, World Triathlon Championship Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and City2Surf®, UTMB® World Series trail-running events including the Canyons Endurance Runs™ by UTMB®, Tarawera Ultra by UTMB® and Ultra-Trail Australia™ by UTMB®, Epic Series™ mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events including Haute Route®, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Catering to the full athlete experience, the company portfolio also includes FulGaz® virtual cycling, the most realistic indoor riding experience connected fitness application aimed at preparing athletes for real-world events. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. The IRONMAN Group is owned by Advance, a private, family-owned business, and Orkila Capital, a growth equity firm focused on building great brands. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.

About Advance
Advance is a private, family-held business that owns and invests in companies across media, entertainment, technology, communications, education and other promising growth sectors. Our mission is to build the value of our companies over the long-term by fostering growth and innovation. Advance’s portfolio includes Condé Nast, Advance Local, Stage Entertainment, The IRONMAN Group, American City Business Journals, Leaders Group, Turnitin, and Pop. Together these operating companies employ more than 17,000 people in 29 countries. Advance is also among the largest shareholders in Charter Communications, Warner Bros. Discovery and Reddit. For more information visit www.advance.com.

Advance to Acquire the Ironman Group From Wanda Sports Group

Advance announced today that it has entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement with Wanda Sports Group Company Limited (NASDAQ: WSG) to acquire The IRONMAN Group in an all-cash transactioon at enterprise value of USD 730 million.

The IRONMAN Group and its portfolio of assets, which includes its flagship IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlons, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series®, and the Epic Series® of mountain biking races, among other events, makes up the largest mass participation sports platform in the world. From a single race on O’ahu, Hawai`i in 1978, The IRONMAN Group has owned, organized, promoted, and licensed endurance events for over 40 years, which now consists of more than 235 events in over 50 countries, across triathlon, running, trail running, cycling and mountain biking. Each year over one million international athletes participate in an IRONMAN Group race. 

Advance is committed to the future of The IRONMAN Group and believes in the long-term strength of its well-recognized brands and the dedication of its athletes, communities, employees and fans. Advance is a private, family-owned business that invests in a broad range of media and technology companies. 

Orkila Capital (“Orkila”) will co-invest in The IRONMAN Group and Jesse Du Bey, Managing Partner of Orkila, will rejoin its Board of Directors alongside Advance and Andrew Messick, President and CEO of The IRONMAN Group. Orkila is a growth equity firm focused on investments in the media, entertainment and consumer sectors. Du Bey, previously a Managing Director at Providence Equity Partners, led that firm’s 2008 investment in The IRONMAN Group. 

“Today is an important milestone for The IRONMAN Group. We are pleased with this partnership, which is a testament to Advance’s belief in the company,” said Andrew Messick, CEO of The IRONMAN Group. “We remain confident in our future; our focus and objectives are unchanged; and we are ready to face the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together with Advance and Orkila, we will navigate through the turbulent and uncertain period in front of us and continue to deliver the exceptional experiences for which we’re known. I’m also thrilled to welcome Jesse Du Bey back to the Board of Directors of The IRONMAN Group.” Messick continued, “We thank Wanda Sports Group for its support over the past four years and are proud of what we have accomplished together. We look forward to continuing our work in China with Wanda Sports Group in the coming years.”

“We are pleased to welcome The IRONMAN Group to the Advance family of companies,” said Janine Shelffo, Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Advance. “The core IRONMAN Group values of endurance and perseverance resonate strongly at Advance, a one hundred year-old business that has differentiated itself through long-term focus and commitment.  We are delighted to partner with Andrew and his executive team as they plan to resume exceptional race experiences for their passionate athletes, and to support the long-term growth of the business. We’re also pleased to join forces with Orkila and are grateful for the invaluable experience with The IRONMAN Group that they bring to our partnership.” 

“I look forward to this new chapter with The IRONMAN Group. Since I last worked with Andrew and his team, the company has experienced significant growth in its global triathlon event footprint and has successfully expanded into new areas such as running, trail running and mountain biking,” said Jesse Du Bey, Managing Partner of Orkila. “I am thrilled that Orkila is partnering with Advance, Andrew and The IRONMAN Group to help build this great family of brands into the future.”

As part of the transaction, Wanda Sports Group will continue to operate the IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlon series, Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series® and Epic Series® of off-road mountain bike races in China under an exclusive license agreement.

The transaction has no financing condition and is subject to customary regulatory approvals, with closing anticipated in the second quarter of 2020. 

Advance was advised by BofA Securities and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. The IRONMAN Group and Wanda Sports Group were advised by Credit Suisse and Reed Smith LLP. 

Links

• Advance
• Orkila
• Ironman

About The IRONMAN Group

The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® VR™ Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, IRONKIDS®, ITU World Triathlon Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and The Sun-Herald City2Surf® presented by Westpac, Ultra-Trail® World Tour events including Tarawera Ultra and Ultra-Trail Australia™, mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with more than 235 events across 50+ countries. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.

About Advance

Advance is a private, family-owned business that owns, operates and invests in companies spanning media, entertainment, technology, communications, education and other promising growth sectors. Our mission is to build the value of our companies over the long-term by fostering growth and innovation. Advance’s portfolio includes Condé Nast, Advance Local, Stage Entertainment, American City Business Journals, Leaders Group, Turnitin, 1010data and Pop. Together these operating companies employ more than 15,000 people in 19 countries. Advance is also among the largest shareholders in Charter Communications, Discovery and Reddit. For more information visit www.advance.com. 

About Orkila

Orkila Capital LLC (“Orkila”) was formed in 2013, by Jesse Du Bey and Taylor Storms, to pursue proprietary and compelling growth equity investment opportunities in the consumer, media and entertainment sectors. Orkila invests in leading companies at the forefront of evolving market opportunities, including Mikkeller, Recognition Media (The Webby Awards), Antares Audio Technologies (Auto-Tune), Omnipollo and Bellator MMA. Additionally, the Principals of Orkila co-founded Crash Line Productions (Boston Calling Music Festival, Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival and others) as well as sourced and helped execute the 2008 purchase of World Triathlon Corporation (IRONMAN) on behalf of their prior firm. With over 30 years of experience, the Principals of Orkila seek to leverage their deep industry knowledge and relationships to focus on growth platforms with differentiated brands, IP or content. Orkila manages approximately $500 million of capital across three private equity funds and several Special Purpose Vehicles. For more information visit www.orkilacapital.com. 

The IRONMAN Group Launches IRONMAN VR – A New Global Racing Series – and The IRONMAN VR Pro Challenge

IRONMAN Virtual Racing Series and IRONMAN Virtual Club will allow athletes to train, compete and stay connected with the close-knit athlete community around the world

The IRONMAN Group, a Wanda Sports Group company (Nasdaq: WSG), announced that it will add the IRONMAN® Virtual Racing™ (VR™) Series to its portfolio, including the IRONMAN VR Pro Challenge that will debut on April 4 through the IRONMAN Now Page on Facebook Watch. The IRONMAN VR Series will be offered through the soon to be launched IRONMAN Virtual Club™, a web-based platform allowing athletes to train and compete from anywhere around the world at any time through the IRONMAN VR Series of weekly races and challenges.

“At the IRONMAN Group, our mission is to provide exceptional, life-changing race experiences for athletes of all levels from their first step to the finish line,” says Andrew Messick, President & CEO for The IRONMAN Group. “We believe that under extraordinary circumstances such as these, athletes should be able to maintain the structure and continuity that training and competition provides. The IRONMAN Virtual Club is an innovative digital platform that enables our athletes to continue training with purpose, remain connected to our community and provides an opportunity to compete through the IRONMAN VR Series.”

Athletes will compete in the traditional age-group categories and for select virtual races, will have the opportunity to earn qualifying slots to the 2020 IRONMAN®70.3® World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand scheduled to take place on November 28 and 29, 2020. Virtual races will begin on Fridays at 6 p.m. GMT and close Sundays at midnight GMT with the first competitive race, IRONMAN VR1, debuting on April 3. The format and distances may vary each race weekend. In order to be eligible for world championship slots, athletes will need to compete with devices providing GPS and heart rate data which will be uploaded to the IRONMAN Virtual Club platform. The IRONMAN Virtual Club platform will be compatible with most wearable technology and app trackers. Upon completion of a race, athletes will receive a finisher package including the collectible IRONMAN VR medal and finisher tees for that race. The IRONMAN Virtual Club will additionally provide an activity-based loyalty point system designed to motivate athletes as they train and reward them through merchandise, discounts and “money can’t buy” benefits.

During each weekend of competition, there will also be a Men’s and Women’s IRONMAN VR Pro Challenge. Two professional female athletes will compete on Saturday and two professional male athletes will compete on Sunday for prize money. Anyone around the world will be able to tune-in to the head-to-head battles through the IRONMAN Now Page on Facebook Watch. The coverage will also follow the competing age-group athletes through User-Generated Content shared on the interactive platform, allowing athletes to see how they match up against fellow competitors through live look-ins and leaderboard updates. Additionally, every Monday at 6 p.m. following the race weekend, the IRONMAN VR Rolldown Show will provide the best action from the weekend and an interactive live awarding of the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship qualifying slots. During the live coverage, the IRONMAN Foundation will also run Facebook fundraisers to provide support for our traditional host communities.

Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) Approaches Wanda Sports Renewing Interest In IRONMAN Acquisition and Expressing Willingness To Work With Other Potential Acquirers

The Professional Triathletes Organisation today released the following letter sent to the Board of Directors of Wanda Sports Group Company Limited on 3rd February 2020 advising the Board that the PTO has closed on its financial partnership with Crankstart Investments and renewing the PTO’s proposal to enter into discussions to acquire the Ironman® business.

3rd February 2020

Board of Directors
Wanda Sports Group Company Limited
Wanda Plaza
Tower B, 9th Floor
93 Jianguo Road Chaoyang District
Beijing, China
Attn: Mr. Hengming Yang–CEO

Andrew Messick
Chief Executive Officer
World Triathlon Corporation
407 W. Martin Luther King Blvd
Suite 100
Tampa, Florida 33607

Dear Members of the Board:

We are writing on behalf of the Professional Triathletes Organisation (the “PTO”) to advise you that we have closed on our partnership financing with Crankstart Investments. We again want to put forth our proposal to enter into discussions for the acquisition by the PTO of all of the assets of the Wanda Sports Group Company Limited (“WSG”) related to its worldwide triathlon and mass participation business (the “WTC Business”).

The PTO is prepared to consider an all-cash transaction or one in which the existing shareholders of WSG are able to participate in the growth of the WTC Business that the PTO is uniquely positioned to deliver. We strongly believe that it is only with the assistance of the PTO and its professional athletes that the WTC Business has the ability to stabilise and grow, and that without our cooperation the WTC Business would deteriorate.  We are happy to work with any other financially stable group who may be interested in acquiring the WTC Business, reducing its debt load and unleashing the value only the PTO and its professional athletes can deliver.

The PTO and North Point Advisors, our financial advisors, are prepared to begin discussions forthwith with your senior management and your financial advisors and to sign a customary confidentiality agreement in order to commence certain confirmatory due diligence.  In light of the significance of this proposal to your shareholders and the triathlon community, as well as the potential for selective disclosures, we will publicly release the text of this letter tomorrow morning.

We believe this proposal represents a unique opportunity to realise significant value for WSG shareholders and employees, and that the PTO can uniquely provide a healthy and growing environment for the WTC Business.

We hope that you and your Board share our enthusiasm and, consistent with applicable fiduciary duties, we look forward to a prompt and favourable reply.



Respectfully yours,



Charles D. Adamo
Chairman

Sam Renouf
Chief Executive Officer

Rachel Joyce
Co-President

Tim O’Donnell
Co-President

cc: David Jacquin
North Point Advisors
580 California Street
Suite 200
San Francisco, CA 94104

Professional Triathletes Organisation Approaches Wanda Sports Board Proposing to Enter Into Discussions to Acquire IRONMAN® Business

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) today released the following letter sent to the Board of Directors of Wanda Sports Group Company Limited on 20th September 2019 proposing to enter into discussions to acquire its IRONMAN® business. One of their main goals is to get a fair share of revenues Ironman generates for all professional triathletes, similar to the models the big sports in the doemestic USA have implemented in the past.

20TH September 2019

Board of Directors

Wanda Sports Group Company Limited

Wanda Plaza

Tower B, 9th Floor

93 Jianguo Road Chaoyang District

Beijing, China

Attn: Mr. Hengming Yang–CEO

Andrew Messick

Chief Executive Officer

World Triathlon Corporation

3407 W. Martin Luther King Blvd, Suite 100

Tampa, FL 33607

Dear Members of the Board:

We are writing on behalf of the Professional Triathletes Organisation (the “PTO”) to make a proposal to enter into discussions for the acquisition by the PTO of all of the assets of the Wanda Sports Group Company Limited (“WSG”) related to its worldwide triathlon and mass participation business (the “WTC Triathlon-MP Business”).

The PTO is prepared to consider an all-cash transaction or one in which the existing shareholders of WSG are able to participate in the growth of the WTC Triathlon-MP Business that the PTO is uniquely positioned to deliver. Professional triathletes, age groupers and the triathlon community have for years watched the decline of our sport with dismay as the dedicated executives and passionate employees of the WTC Triathlon-MP Business have been hampered by an excessive debt load and pressures to deliver unrealistic short-term results to financial investors. There are reasons why world class professional sports like the NFL and MLB have debt limits imposed on ownership entities as excessive debt levels limit needed investment and often cause exploitive customer pricing and a decline in standards that sadly have been present, through no fault of the hard-working operating management, in the WTC Triathlon-MP  Business for years.  We believe the market has recognised this reality as the results of the WSG IPO have proved to be well below expectations.

We have appointed North Point Advisors as our financial advisor, and they have reviewed the public information filed in the WSG F-1 Registration Statement and subsequent 6-K filings. The PTO and North Point Advisors are prepared to begin discussions forthwith with your senior management and your financial advisors and sign any NDA related agreement required in order to commence certain confirmatory due diligence.  In light of the significance of this proposal to your shareholders and the triathlon community, as well as the potential for selective disclosures, we will publicly release the text of this letter Monday morning.

We believe this proposal represents an opportunity to realise significant value for WSG shareholders and employees, and that the PTO can uniquely provide a healthy and growing environment for the WTC Triathlon-MP Business.

We hope that you and your Board share our enthusiasm, and we look forward to a prompt and favourable reply.

Respectfully yours,

/s/ Charles Adamo

Charles D. Adamo

Chairman

/s/ Sam Renouf

Sam Renouf

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Rachel Joyce

Rachel Joyce

Athlete Director

/s/ Dylan McNiece

Dylan McNeice

Athlete Director

cc: David Jacquin

North Point Advisors

580 California Street, Suite 200

San Francisco, CA 94104

Contacts:

Sam Renouf

Chief Executive Officer

Professional Triathletes Organisation

Sam Renouf

David Jacquin

Managing Director

North Point Advisors

About The Professional Triathletes Organisation

The Professional Triathletes Organisation is a not-for-profit entity representing the body of professional triathletes and seeks to showcase the passion, talents, determination, struggles and achievements of the dedicated professionals who strive to realise the highest levels of the sport and inspire all those who participate in triathlon, from seasoned age groupers to newbies. 

About North Point Advisors

North Point Advisors is a leading independent investment bank focused on providing financial advice on mergers and acquisitions and raising institutional capital to meet the growth objectives of its clients. Since its founding in 2004, North Point Advisors has advised on more than 160 transactions representing world class brands in over $25 billion of transaction value. Its industries of focus include consumer, wellness, and healthcare, and it has one of the largest and most experienced consumer M&A teams on Wall Street, completing transactions with leading brands such as Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, Kosta Browne Winery, Landry’s, Golden Nugget Casinos, Massage Envy, and Peanuts by Schulz.

IRONMAN Triathlon-owner Wanda Sports Group starts IPO process with target to raise US$500 million

According to two recent sources (NASDAQ, Renaissance Capital), Dalian Wanda Group is starting the IPO process for IRONMAN with a target range to raise US$500 million up to US$1 billion. 3athlon reported earlier in 2018 and 2019. full 162 page prelimary SEC Form F1 linked below.

Quote, NASDAQ:

IRONMAN to IPO: Global sports owner Wanda Sports Group files for a $500 million US IPO 

Wanda Sports Group, the sporting and live events unit being spun out of China's Wanda Group, filed on Friday with the SEC to raise up to $500 million in an initial public offering. 

Wanda Sports is one of the world's largest sports events, media and marketing platforms in terms of revenue in 2018, owning Infront Sports & Media, World Endurance Holdings (owner of the IRONMAN triathlon competition and brand) and Wanda Sports Co (owner of the China Cup International Football Tournament and the UCI Tour of Guangxi). 

The Beijing, China-based company traces its roots to 1980 and booked $1.3 billion in sales for the 12 months ended March 31, 2019. It plans to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol WSG. Wanda Sports Group filed confidentially on March 20, 2019. Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and Citi are the joint bookrunners on the deal. No pricing terms were disclosed.  

The article IRONMAN to IPO: Global sports owner Wanda Sports Group files for a $500 million US IPO originally appeared on IPO investment manager Renaissance Capital's web site renaissancecapital.com.  

Investment Disclosure: The information and opinions expressed herein were prepared by Renaissance Capital's research analysts and do not constitute an offer to buy or sell any security. Renaissance Capital's Renaissance IPO ETF (symbol: IPO) , Renaissance International ETF (symbol: IPOS) , or separately managed institutional accounts may have investments in securities of companies mentioned.

Quote, Renaissance Capital:

IRONMAN to IPO: Global sports owner Wanda Sports Group files for a $500 million US IPO 

Wanda Sports Group, the sporting and live events unit being spun out of China's Wanda Group, filed on Friday with the SEC to raise up to $500 million in an initial public offering. 

Wanda Sports is one of the world's largest sports events, media and marketing platforms in terms of revenue in 2018, owning Infront Sports & Media, World Endurance Holdings (owner of the IRONMAN triathlon competition and brand) and Wanda Sports Co (owner of the China Cup International Football Tournament and the UCI Tour of Guangxi). 

The Beijing, China-based company traces its roots to 1980 and booked $1.3 billion in sales for the 12 months ended March 31, 2019. It plans to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol WSG. Wanda Sports Group filed confidentially on March 20, 2019. Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and Citi are the joint bookrunners on the deal. No pricing terms were disclosed. 

1. NASDAQ: IRONMAN to IPO: Global sports owner Wanda Sports Group files for a $500 million US IPO
2. Renaissance Capital: IRONMAN to IPO: Global sports owner Wanda Sports Group files for a $500 million US IPO
3. Wanda Sports Group Company Limited, FORM F-1 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 7, 2019
4. China's Wanda files for U.S. IPO of sports unit including WTC's IRONMAN series to raise up to $500 million: sources
5. Wang Jianlin's sports holding within Dalian Wanda Group might consider an IPO and sale of overseas assets including Infront Sports & Media AG, World Triathlon Corp (Ironman)

IRONMAN (World Triathlon Corporation) Partners with the International Triathlon Union (ITU)

According to a press release "two of the most influential forces in triathlon make history with an agreement to further develop the sport.

Marisol Casado (ITU) and Andrew Messick (WTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) . Phpto: WTC/ITU

IRONMAN and the International Triathlon Union (ITU) announced that they have agreed to a historic cooperation framework to further develop and grow triathlon. After a week of meetings at IRONMAN headquarters in Tampa, Florida, senior leaders from both organizations, including ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado and IRONMAN President and CEO Andrew Messick, agreed on a historic growth framework that is the culmination of several years of work together.  

Two teams of senior leaders of International Triathlon Union (ITU) and World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) worked a week onlocation for final drafts of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both big players in triathlon. Photo: WTC/ITU 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by both parties citing key priorities and next steps to ensure the growth and harmonization of the sport. In particular, the MOU focused on standardized rules, further collaboration on anti-doping efforts, national federation relations, sanctioning, a single-set of rules, and collaborative marketing initiatives to grow the sport at the age-group level.

"Our collaboration with the ITU is of considerable importance for the prolonged and continuous growth of triathlon," said Messick. "We share a common goal, have worked well together in recent years, and have developed trust in the ITU leadership group. I believe that the productive conversations that led to this milestone are pivotal for the continued progression of triathlon."

"The best way to grow triathlon, and improve the sport at all levels, is to do so together," said Casado. "Continuing strong collaboration with IRONMAN will serve to further evolve triathlon across the world. I look forward to many more fruitful meetings, and creating the best possible environments for athletes, following this cornerstone moment."

Among the key priorities the ITU and IRONMAN have agreed to, are the following:

• Harmonizing anti-doping efforts to continue to protect clean athletes and the integrity of the sport
• Working towards ITU being recognized as the singular international federation leading the sport of triathlon
• The ITU sanctioning select IRONMAN events as international events
• The ITU leading coordination and communication with its member National Federations to implement standardized rules and reinforce the ITU's "Clean, Fair & Safe" mandate
• IRONMAN will leverage ITU resources in certain ethics-related matters, including technological fraud, code of conduct, manipulating of sport competition, etc.
• Working toward a single set of rules (ITU Competition Rules) for long-distance triathlon beginning in 2018
• Developing an athlete-focused edition of those rules with specific distance categories
• Alignment of efforts to foster the growth and development of the sport specifically focused on safety, first-time athletes, development of women in the sport, and education
• For more information on the ITU, visit www.triathlon.org
• For more information on the IRONMAN® brand and global event series, visit Ironman.com.

IRONMAN ANNOUNCES MANAGING DIRECTORS OF ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

David Beeche Named Managing Director of IRONMAN Oceania and

Geoff Meyer Named Managing Director of IRONMAN Asia

 

Following the announcement of the pending acquisition of events from Lagardère Sports’ endurance division, IRONMAN today announced new leadership roles for the Asia-Pacific region. David Beeche from Lagardère Sports will join IRONMAN as Managing Director of IRONMAN Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), effective on March, 31. Geoff Meyer will continue with IRONMAN as the Managing Director of IRONMAN Asia (excluding China).

 

“With our business expanding in this area of the world – including the recent addition of multi-sport endurance events – IRONMAN will continue to grow under David and Geoff’s leadership,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of IRONMAN. “We are excited about the future of the brand in Oceania and Asia.”

 

As Managing Director of IRONMAN Oceania, Beeche will manage and oversee the complete portfolio of events in Australia and New Zealand. This includes IRONMAN races, IRONMAN 70.3 races, multi-sport events, mountain biking events and marathons.

 

"I am excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to lead the Oceania business through its next growth phase,” said Beeche. “As an IRONMAN athlete I understand the impact our events can have on peoples’ lives – and bringing that together with these iconic marathon and cycling events – gives us a unique and compelling position in the market."

 

Meyer, who has been in a leadership role with IRONMAN since 2012 and involved with the sport of triathlon for more than 12 years, will now be responsible for all of the events and licensees in Asia (except China). Meyer will also focus on growing event portfolio and leading business development.

IRONMAN announces acquisition of LAGARDÈRE SPORTS’ endurance division

Global Triathlon Leader Will Now Own and/or Operate Five Additional ITU Triathlons in Addition to Marathon and Cycling Events

IRONMAN today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Lagardère Sports’ endurance division, which includes races in three continents and eight countries. IRONMAN will therefore own and/or operate an additional five International Triathlon Union (ITU) events, four marathons, six cycling races as well as a number of other participation events. These events are expected to serve an estimated 140,000 participants in 2016.                                                               

“Lagardère Sports has built innovative and world-class events which, when added to our global event portfolio, further builds our company and strengthens the entire endurance business under the roof of Wanda Sports Holding,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of IRONMAN. “These iconic events, and the teams that have created and managed them, will further strengthen our position in triathlon, expand our portfolio in running, and establish ourselves in cycling.”

Christian Toetzke, currently CEO of Lagardère Sports endurance division, will join IRONMAN's global executive team as Chief Development Officer and Global Head of Cycling.

“With the acquisition, IRONMAN is extending its portfolio in world class running and cycling. I look forward to being a part of this growth in my new role,” added Toetzke.

IRONMAN and the ITU have been long-term partners, working together on unified and global standard rules for triathlon, as well as several athlete development initiatives. With this acquisition, IRONMAN adds to their portfolio and will now own and operate the ITU World Triathlon Hamburg, ITU World Triathlon Leeds, ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, ITU World Triathlon Stockholm and ITU World Triathlon Cape Town. With IRONMAN’s current ownership of the ITU World Triathlon Gold Coast, it now owns and operates six of the nine events in the ITU World Triathlon Series.

“Lagardère Sports has been a long-standing and fantastic partner to the ITU. It is with their commitment to the sport of triathlon that we raised the bar and brought triathlon to the masses over the last eight years. I fully believe the transition of these events to IRONMAN will serve to further strengthen our sport on a global level,” said Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member. “Congratulations to both Lagardère Sports and IRONMAN. ITU looks forward to continuing to work together to keep triathlon a major player in the world of sports."

Listed below are the races to be added to the IRONMAN portfolio:

ITU

• ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi
• ITU World Triathlon Cape Town
• ITU World Triathlon Hamburg
• ITU World Triathlon Leeds
• ITU World Triathlon Stockholm

Cycling

• Hamburg Cyclassics
• Velothon Berlin
• Velothon Wales
• Velothon Copenhagen
• Velothon Stockholm
• Velothon Stuttgart

Running

• Hamburg Marathon
• Hawkes Bay International Marathon
• Marathon de Bordeaux
• Queenstown Marathon
• Music Run Hamburg
• Music Runs in Germany, UK, France, Sweden & South Africa

Multisport, Festival, Other

• Duathlon Cape Town
• Duathlon Sandton
• The Motatapu
• The Pioneer

IRONMAN gibt die Übernahme der Ausdauersport-Sparte LAGARDÈRE SPORTS bekannt

Der Triathlon-Weltmarktführer übernimmt und/oder organisiert ab sofort fünf weitere ITU-Triathlonrennen zusätzlich zu Marathon- und Radsport-Veranstaltungen.

IRONMAN hat heute die Unterzeichnung der Vereinbarung zur Übernahme der Ausdauersport-Sparte von Lagadère Sports bekanntgegeben. Zu dieser gehören Rennen auf drei Kontinenten und in acht Ländern. IRONMAN wird so fünf weitere Veranstaltungen der Internationalen Triathlon Union (ITU), vier Marathons, sechs Radrennen und diverse andere Breitensport-Events übernehmen und/oder organisieren. Für diese Veranstaltungen werden 2016 rund 140.000 Teilnehmer erwartet.

„Lagadère Sports hat innovative Weltklasse-Events aufgebaut, die als Teil unseres globalen Veranstaltungs-Portfolios unser Unternehmen weiter formen und den gesamten Bereich Ausdauersport unter dem Dach der Wanda Sports Holding stärken werden“, sagte IRONMAN-CEO Andrew Messick. „Diese Kultevents und die Teams, die sie geschaffen und organisiert haben, werden unsere Position im Triathlon-Bereich weiter stärken, unser Portfolio auf Laufsport ausweiten und uns im Radsport Fuß fassen lassen.“

Christian Toetzke, aktuell CEO der Ausdauersport-Sparte von Lagadère Sports, wird als Vorstand für Entwicklung und Leiter der globalen Radsport-Abteilung zum weltweiten Führungsteam von IRONMAN stoßen.

„Das Team der Ausdauersport-Sparte von Lagadère Sports freut sich sehr über die neuen Möglichkeiten, die sich als Teil des Unternehmens IRONMAN weltweit ergeben“, fügt Toetzke an. „Mit der Übernahme weitet IRONMAN sein Portfolio in den Bereichen Lauf- und Radsport aus. Ich freue mich darauf, in meiner neuen Rolle ein Teil dieses Wachstums zu werden.“

IRONMAN und die ITU sind schon lange partnerschaftlich verbunden und haben auf Basis einheitlicher und weltweit geltender Triathlon-Regelwerke sowie bei Sportler-Förderinitiativen zusammengearbeitet.

Mit der Übernahme nimmt IRONMAN die ITU World Triathlons in Hamburg, Leeds, Abu Dhabi, Stockholm und Kapstadt in sein Portfolio auf und wird für die Organisation dieser Veranstaltungen verantwortlich zeichnen. Zusammen mit dem ITU World Triathlon Gold Coast, der bereits zu IRONMAN gehört, befinden sich nun sechs der neun Veranstaltungen der ITU World Triathlon Series unter dem Dach der Marke.

„Lagadère Sports war lange ein fantastischer Partner für die ITU. Dank seines Engagements für den Triathlon haben wir die Messlatte höher legen und Triathlon in den letzten acht Jahren einem breiten Publikum nahe bringen können. Ich glaube fest daran, dass die Übertragung dieser Veranstaltungen auf IRONMAN dazu beitragen wird, unseren Sport weltweit noch weiter zu stärken“, sagt Marisol Casado, ITU-Präsidentin und Mitglied des IOC. „Ich gratuliere sowohl Lagadère Sports als auch IRONMAN. Die ITU freut sich auf die weitere Zusammenarbeit, um den Triathlon auch weiterhin einen wichtigen Protagonisten in der Sportwelt sein zu lassen.“

IRONMAN besitzt und/oder organisiert ab sofort folgende Rennen:

ITU

• ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi
• ITU World Triathlon Cape Town
• ITU World Triathlon Hamburg
• ITU World Triathlon Leeds
• ITU World Triathlon Stockholm

Radsport

• Hamburg Cyclassics
• Velothon Berlin
• Velothon Wales
• Velothon Copenhagen
• Velothon Stockholm
• Velothon Stuttgart

Laufsport

• Hamburg Marathon
• Hawkes Bay International Marathon
• Marathon de Bordeaux
• Queenstown Marathon
• Music Run Hamburg
• Music Runs in Germany, UK, France, Sweden & South Africa

Multisport, Festival

• Duathlon Cape Town
• Duathlon Sandton
• The Motatapu
• The Pioneer

Hans-Peter Zurbrügg appointed as Managing Director of IRONMAN Europe, Middle East & Africa

The experienced sports business professional will also continue to oversee the Active Lifestyle & Endurance business of the Infront Group.

IRONMAN and Infront Sports & Media are pleased to announce the expanded role of Hans-Peter Zurbruegg. The long-standing endurance expert has been newly appointed as the Managing Director of IRONMAN Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), while also continuing to lead Infront’s Active Lifestyle & Endurance business. 

“We are thrilled to have Hans-Peter join the team. He has an exceptional endurance business background, and as an IRONMAN finisher, understands the athlete experience and embodies our brand,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of IRONMAN.  “I am confident that with Hans-Peter’s leadership we will see strong growth in the region.”

Zurbruegg currently heads the Active Lifestyle & Endurance unit at Infront Sports & Media managing Operations, Marketing and Strategic Initiatives for the diverse portfolio. This includes media and marketing partnerships for the BMW Berlin-Marathon, the World Marathon Majors and the Swiss Cycling/Tour de Suisse, as well as full event management and organization for the Infront owned events – the European corporate running series B2RUN and the Happy 10k fun run events held in China. In his new role he will continue to oversee these properties as well as the IRONMAN EMEA business, which will remain headquartered in Liederbach, Germany.

“Following the creation and development of the Active Lifestyle & Endurance unit at Infront, I am delighted to add IRONMAN, the global leader in mass participation sports, to my responsibilities. I look forward to contributing to the sustainable growth of the sport of triathlon in Europe, Middle East & Africa, and helping the team continue to create unparalleled experiences for our athletes,” added Zurbruegg.

Philippe Blatter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Infront Sports & Media and Wanda Sports Holding: “With Infront and IRONMAN aligned under one roof, we are able to fully deploy our synergies and foster knowledge transfer within the Wanda Sports businesses. Overseeing both Infront’s Active Lifestyle business and IRONMAN EMEA, Hans-Peter Zurbruegg and his team will spur further growth, as well as enhance the individual profile and strength of all our diverse endurance properties – each according to its unique characteristics and participants.”

Hans-Peter Zurbruegg has worked for Infront since 2001 and has held several leadership positions, including Director of Business Development and Head of Controlling & Risk Management. Zurbruegg holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Corporate Finance from the University of Zurich/Lucerne, an MBA from Northwestern University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit www.ironman.com.  For more information on Infront Sports & Media, visit www.infrontsports.com.

1. CV Hans-Peter Zurbrügg

Hans-Peter Zurbrügg wird neuer Geschäftsbührer von IRONMAN Europe, den Mittleren Osten und Afrika

Der im Sportbereich erfahrene Geschäftsmann wird zudem weiterhin die Sparte 

Active Lifestyle & Endurance der Infront-Gruppe leiten

IRONMAN und Infront Sports & Media freuen sich, das erweiterte Aufgabengebiet von Hans-Peter Zurbrügg bekanntzugeben. Der erfahrene Ausdauersport-Experte wurde soeben zum neuen Geschäftsführer von IRONMAN Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) ernannt, bleibt aber gleichzeitig in der Leitung der Infront-Sparte Active Lifestyle & Endurance.

„Wir freuen uns sehr, Hans-Peter in unserem Team zu haben. Er hat einen außerordentlichen Hintergrund im Ausdauersport-Bereich, versteht als IRONMAN-Finisher was die Athleten erleben und verkörpert unsere Marke“, sagte IRONMAN-CEO Andrew Messick. „Ich bin zuversichtlich, dass es unter Hans-Peters Leitung ein starkes Wachstum in dieser Region geben wird.“

Zurbrügg leitet aktuell die Sparte Active Lifestyle & Endurance der Infront Sports & Media, ist dort verantwortlich für die Bereiche Abläufe, Marketing und strategische Initiativen diverser Portfolios. Darunter unter anderem Media- und Marketing-Kooperationen für den BMW Berlin-Marathon, die World Marathon Majors und Swiss Cycling/Tour de Suisse sowie für das gesamte Veranstaltungsmanagement und die Organisation der Infront-eigenen Veranstaltungen – die europäische Laufserie B2RUN und die Happy 10k FunRuns in China. In seiner neuen Rolle wird er weiterhin diese Aufgaben übernehmen und zusätzlich die Geschäfte von IRONMAN EMEA steuern, dessen Hauptsitz weiterhin im deutschen Liederbach bleibt.

„Nach Gründung und Entwicklung der Sparte Active Lifestyle & Endurance bei Infront freue ich mich, nun IRONMAN, den Weltmarktführer im Breitensportbereich, zu meinem Aufgabenfeld hinzufügen zu dürfen. Ich freue mich darauf, zum nachhaltigen Wachstum des Triathlonsports in Europa, dem Nahen Osten und Afrika beizutragen und darauf, das Team dabei zu unterstützen weiterhin unvergleichliche Erlebnisse für unsere Athleten zu schaffen“, fügte Zurbrügg hinzu.

Philippe Blatter, President & CEO von Infront Sports & Media und der Wanda Sports Holding: „Indem wir Infront und IRONMAN unter einem Dach vereinen sind wir in der Lage unsere Synergien voll zu nutzen und den Wissenstransfer innerhalb der Bereiche von Wanda Sports zu fördern. Dass Hans-Peter Zurbrügg und sein Team sowohl Infronts Acitve-Lifestyle-Sparte als auch IRONMAN EMEA überblicken wird das Wachstum weiter vorantreiben und das eigenständige Profil und die Stärken unserer verschiedenen Ausdauersport-Bereiche hervorheben – jeden gemäß seiner einzigartigen Merkmale und Teilnehmer.“

Hans-Peter Zurbrügg ist seit 2001 bei Infront und war in verschiedenen Führungspositionen tätig, unter anderem als Leiter der Geschäftsentwicklung und des Controlling & Risikomanagements. Zurbrügg hat einen Master-Abschluss in Wirtschaft und Unternehmensfinanzierung von der Universität Zürich/Luzern, einen MBA-Abschluss von der Northwestern University und ein Zertifikat in Projektmanagement (PMP).

Für weitere Informationen über die Marke IRONMAN und die weltweite Veranstaltungsserie besuchen Sie bitte eu.ironman.com. Für weitere Informationen bezüglich Infront Sports & Media besuchen Sie bitte www.infrontsports.com

1. CV Hans-Peter Zurbrügg

Infront and IRONMAN - a deadly combination in endurance sports marketing

Following the recent acquisition of World Triathlon Corporation, Inc. by Dalian Wanda Group for est. $890 million including assumed obligations raises a couple of questions. Three particular will be addressed in this article.

How and when can get Dalian Wanda get a return on investment?

Dalian Wanda is separated into two divisions. The Real Estate division owns 100+ shopping malls and 70+ hotels and is the powerhouse of Dalian Wanda Group's wealth. The second division is called The Cultural Industry Group are 6,600+ movie screens, including the largest movie theater chains like Hoyts Group in Australia, Wanda Cinemas China and AMC Entertainment Theaters in the U.S. Other assets are Sunseeker yachts from Great Britain and Swiss Sports Marketing firm Infront Sports & Media AG.

The 2015 acquisitions of Ironman and Infront Sports & Media properties have made Wanda Group one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive sports companies. Logo: Dalian Wanda Group

Infront was acquired in February 2015. His CEO Philippe Blatter, a nephew of FIFA long term president Joseph "Sepp" Blatter, is a triathlete with 15 Ironman finishes under his belt. Infront is in charge of being WTC's marketing and media service partner for EMEA region since 2011. Infront was also one of the parties conducting due diligence on WTC's assets in year 2014, but stepped away from a deal. Maybe the price tag was too high or Dalian Wanda was already approaching early talks of an acquisition of Infront itself. But at one time, a Dalian Wanda Group owned company had already all important data concerning WTC's core assets like IRONMAN and M-Dot brands and owned races.

IRONMAN is missing a real and long term sponsorhip deal and tv coverage on a global scale. Logo: WTC

The Cultural Industry Group could leverage IRONMAN with current Dalian Wanda Group assets like film industry and sports marketing. Short-term exceptional growth rate can be expected in Aisa and esp. in China, while other regions may consolidates.

Infront already manages media and marketing assets for IRONMAN in EMEA region. Logo: Infront 

A major role could play Infront. IRONMAN lacks for years on a real global title sponsorhsip deal or at least a branded sponsorship for all regional championship races as a series, same applies to the majority of regional races. Infront could contribute here and build a win, win situation for Dalian Wanda at this stage: generating commission for sponsorship deals and the deal itself for two of its own companies. Dalian Wanda movie studios, movie screens, Infront and IRONMAN - a deadly combination in endurance sports marketing.

Update: Sportspromedia has released a similar point of view of the importance of Infronts future role and how Dalian Wanda Group acquired WTC:

The Swiss-based agency [...] lead by its chief executive Philippe Blatter, an Ironman participant and enthusiast, was the driving force behind bringing the WTC and Wanda together. 

For its part, Infront made the following statement to SportsPro: “The acquisition of the WTC represents an important step to further expand the strategic involvement in global sports business, a strong move into the fast growing field of active lifestyle and mass participation events as well as into event ownership. Further it perfectly complements Infront’s portfolio, including major marathon events as well as the B2RUN and Happy 10K running series. “Our shared aim is to build a number one position in the global sports market through a variety of major expansion projects.” [2]

Will IRONMAN continue its aggressive groth and expansion plan?

Yes, according to an email Andrew Messick, CEO of IRONMAN sent on August 27: "This ownership transition marks the start of another exciting chapter and opportunity for growth of our company.  This sale allows IRONMAN to continue its aggressive growth, particularly throughout Asia, and reinforces our global appeal."

Will IRONMAN's Senior Management stay in place?

There is no answer for the long term, but the same email addresses this topic as well: "Although this is big news for our organization, rest assured that the IRONMAN team will stay focused on our races, our people, our athletes and our partners.  IRONMAN has a very bright future: I intend to remain the CEO of IRONMAN and will be signing a contract extension as will the core of our senior management team. More broadly, our teams and leadership will remain intact, we will continue to grow and provide opportunities for partners and athletes."

Other sources wrote about a 5 year agreement between Dalian Wanda and the senior management of IRONMAN and its core members. [3]

1. Transaction confirmed, Dalian Wanda Group acquires World Triathlon Corporation and Ironman for $650 million
2. WTC new star of Wanda after US$650m deal
3. Transaction confirmed, Dalian Wanda Group acquires World TriathlonCorporation and Ironman for $650 million

Transaction confirmed, Dalian Wanda Group acquires World TriathlonCorporation and Ironman for $650 million

As reported earlier, Tampa based World Triathlon Corporation, Inc. (WTC) confirmed acquisition by Dalian Wanda Group for $650 million from private equity company Providence Equity Partners (PEP) in August 2015. In this price tag, Ironman's debt of around $240 million isn't included. The consolidated price with pending assumed obligations is around the $890 million mark. [1, 2]

The 2015 acquisitions of Ironman and Infront Sports & Media properties have made Wanda Group one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive sports companies. Logo: Dalian Wanda Group

PEP bought Ironman for est. $85 million from former owner, Dr. James P. Gills in 2008. The Gills family paid $3 million to Valerie Silk in 1990. Business value increased around 764% since Providence invested in the company, valuation exploded around 21,666% from first transaction in 1990. PEP invested during their ownership around $216m into WTC, mostly for acquisitions of former independent franchisees with Ironman events around the globe. This would reduce the valuation to roughly 400%, exceeding PEP's minimum goal of 250%.

U.S. Navy Commander John Collins founded the race in 1978 to compare three already existing endurance races. Around 1979 Collins no longer wanted to direct the Ironman race and approached Nautilus Fitness Center owners Hank Grundman and Valerie Silk about taking over control of the race. Following personal circumstances in 1981 Silk received ownership of Ironman. [2]

Davis Noell, Managing Director at Providence Equity Partners, Andrew Messick, CEO of WTC comments on the deal, following lastest Dalian Wanda acquistions of Infront Sports & Media and Atletico Madrid. Surprisingly a Dalian Wanda Group spokesperson didn't released a statement in this press release:

Wanda Group Acquires IRONMAN for Equity Value Of $650 Million From Providence Equity Partners 

Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd. (“Wanda Group”), one of the leading Chinese private conglomerates, has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of IRONMAN for an equity value of approximately $650 million from Providence Equity Partners. As part of the transaction, Wanda Group will work with the current lending group and assume IRONMAN’s existing indebtedness. The acquisition by Wanda Group heralds yet another landmark investment in the sports sector following Infront Sports & Media and Atletico Madrid.

“Wanda Group’s acquisition of IRONMAN marks another exciting chapter and opportunity for the future growth of IRONMAN after seven very successful years of ownership by Providence Equity Partners,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer for IRONMAN. “Wanda Group is a global-minded organization that shares our desire for excellence and continued growth, particularly in Asia. We are delighted to be part of the Wanda Group family of companies and are excited about the future of IRONMAN as we continue to provide life changing race experiences for athletes of all levels from their first step to the finish line.”

The iconic IRONMAN brand is the largest participation sports platform in the world. Its flagship races are IRONMAN® triathlons, which consists of a 3.9km (2.4 mile) swim, 180km (112 mile) bike and 42km (26.2 mile) run, and IRONMAN® 70.3® triathlons, which consist of a 1.9km (1.2 mile) swim, 90km (56 mile) bike, and 21.1km (13.1 mile) run. From its beginnings on the shores of Waikiki Beach on the island of O’ahu in Hawaii in 1978, IRONMAN has organized, promoted, and licensed triathlon events for 37 years, and owns five exclusive triathlon brands, operating at least 250 events every year around the world.

IRONMAN is expected to generate $183 million in revenue in 2015 and has increased revenue at a CAGR of 21% over the past four years. Due to its unique business model and proprietary intellectual property, the company is expected to deliver strong continued growth going forward.

The 2015 acquisitions of IRONMAN and Infront Sports & Media properties have made Wanda Group one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive sports companies. With these new businesses, Wanda Group now has sports sales, media & marketing, and operational capabilities on six continents with strong positions in North America, Europe, China, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Davis Noell, Managing Director at Providence Equity Partners said, “We have thoroughly enjoyed our partnership with IRONMAN over the past seven years and are pleased with the company’s growth and operational excellence under Andrew’s leadership. We have great respect for Wanda Group and its leading global sports platform and believe IRONMAN is well positioned to continue its success with their support.”

Upd.: According to Slowtwitch all top management staff members are required to stay at WTC a 5 year term. [7]

Dalian Wanda required key employees to agree to 5-year employment agreements as a condition of the deal, and the office is not moving from Tampa, Florida. It seems to want stability and continuity. 

1. Dalian Wanda Group in talks to acquire World Triathlon Corporation and IRONMAN triathlon for USD 850 million
2. Ironman History
3. Dalian Wana Group
4. Providence Equity
5. IRONMAN
6. The New York Times: China's Dalian Wanda Buys Ironman Triathlon Brand for $650M
7. Ironman sold to Dalian Wanda
8. Ironman to be Acquired by China's Dalian Wanda

One time Ironman World Champion Pete Jacobs with an open letter to Ironman CEO Andrew Messick

Andrew Messick, CEO of Ironman Triathlon recently compared one time Ironman World Champion Pete Jacobs with professional cyclists who don't peform on triathlon portal Slowtwitch.com. Pete Jacobs took a few deep breaths before he wrote back - in an open letter. Messick, meanwhile picked up the phone finally and called the 2012 World Champion.

Andrew Messick on Slowtwitch (1):

I will give you two contrasting examples. The contrast between the two is relevant and germane to this conversation. Last weekend one of our former world champions validated for Kona at the largest triathlon in one of the world’s five financial centers. And that athlete went 11:42 with a 51 minute swim, 5 hour and 37 minute bike and a 4:56 run. [Messick was referencing 2012 Ironman World Champion Pete Jacobs of Australia who was validating his 2014 Kona entry at Ironman Switzerland in Zurich] There was never any doubt that this was simply punching a ticket.

[...] 

When I ran the Tour of California, Tom Boonen came almost every year. Boonen organized his year around the cobble classics, the Tour de France and at times the world championships. But he was a two peak [per year] guy. He was in phenomenal shape on April 10. He then did not get on a bike for 3 weeks. He came to the Tour of California [in May] and he was not fit. But he knew it. We knew it. Patrick Lefevere, who ran that team, sent Boonen, with 10 kilometers left in the sprint stages, to go to the front with his guys. If you look at the pictures of Tour of California sprint finishes, there was Boonen getting beat by Mark Cavendish. There was Boonen getting beat by other top sprinters. Tom Boonen is a professional. He was not in [peak] shape but he goes to a race and he tries. And there is the contrast. 

Pete Jacobs' response (2):

As per the WTC Ironman rules, I had to validate for Kona by completing an Ironman. The only time I could now fit this in, after the depressing bout of fatigue and the troubling inability to race or train at an elite level for many months, was to complete Ironman Zurich one week after Challenge Roth. This was the event that was after my bout of fatigue had cleared, had the minimal amount of travel involved, and the minimal time away from preparing for your marquee race, and my main goal, of the Ironman World Championship.

But whatever race it is, you have no idea how I feel about not being able to race for the win. This year has been full of hard times, disappointments, and days I could barely think straight. In Zurich I did irreversible damage to my body to push to a point of stressful pain and still have 12km’s left to walk. It was no fun at all. It was a very long, very stressful, hard and tiring day.

Not once have I ever spoken up against your validation rule. Even in Zurich I accepted it for what I had to do and did not complain, but respected it was the rule that I had to abide by. I have never said a bad word against this rule. 

[...]

(1): Slowtwitch.com/Interview/Messick_explains_the_changes_4511.html
(2): Petejacobs.com/race-previews/an-open-letter-to-ironman-ceo/

Versatile camera producer GoPro announced official 2013 title sponsorof 2013 IRONMAN triathlon World Championship Hawaii

IRONMAN is proud to announce GoPro as the title sponsor of the 2013 IRONMAN® World Championship triathlon and as the Official Camera of the IRONMAN World Championship.  The GoPro IRONMAN World Championship will take place in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i on Saturday, October 12, 2013. GoPro, maker of the world’s most versatile camera, produces wearable and gear-mountable cameras that enable users to capture their life’s important moments in the most immersive perspective possible.

“GoPro is excited to partner with the 2013 IRONMAN World Championship and offer its viewers a never-before-seen immersive perspective of the competition. Not only does GoPro serve as an excellent training tool for triathletes, it also allows IRONMAN triathlon participants of all levels to capture and document their own life-changing experiences,” states Todd Ballard, Director of Sports Marketing for GoPro.

As the Official Camera of the IRONMAN World Championship, GoPro will offer a unique high-definition perspective to capture footage of the iconic IRONMAN event.  GoPro cameras will also be provided to event referees to capture the ongoing action.

“The IRONMAN World Championship is the most iconic endurance event in the world and we are thrilled to have GoPro on board as our title sponsor,” said Andrew Messick, CEO of IRONMAN. 

“GoPro will provide our athletes and viewers a new and unique perspective of the sport of triathlon during this pinnacle event.”

Coverage of the 2013 GoPro IRONMAN World Championship can be viewed live exclusively on www.ironman.com. NBC will air the GoPro IRONMAN World Championship special program on Saturday, November 16 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

About GoPro

GoPro makes the world’s best-selling and most versatile cameras, enabling people to capture immersive and engaging footage of themselves during their favorite activities. GoPro’s HERO line of wearable and gear mountable cameras are used collectively by more consumers, professional athletes, and video production professionals than any other camera in the world. Based in San Mateo, California, GoPro’s products are sold in more than 35,000 stores in over 100 countries worldwide and direct via GoPro.com.

GOPRO® and HERO® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Woodman Labs, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other company, product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their rightful owners.

1. http://de.gopro.com
2. Ironman.com/triathlon-news/announcements.aspx

World Triathlon Corporation adds IRONMAN Chattanooga to event list

IRONMAN Chattanooga, the 11th full distance triathlon will take place on 28th September 2014. Read the press release for more information:

Chattanooga, Tennessee Named Host of New IRONMAN

Chattanooga, Tennessee has been selected to host the eleventh race in the U.S. IRONMAN Series. The inaugural IRONMAN Chattanooga will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2014.

The Southeastern U.S. has been steadily growing its love for multisport and, today, IRONMAN announces Chattanooga, Tennessee as the site of the eleventh race in the IRONMAN U.S. Series. The event will debut on Sunday, September 28, 2014, showcasing the city's dramatic landscapes and idyllic weather.

"We selected Chattanooga as it is a beautiful city and a premier outdoor sports destination. We are thrilled to bring IRONMAN here and to partner with the city to deliver a top level event," says Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of IRONMAN.  

IRONMAN Chattanooga will begin with a single-loop, 2.4-mile swim in the Tennessee River with ample spectator vantage points alongside the city's famous Riverwalk. Athletes can look forward to fast splits on a downstream course. The bike will be a two-loop, 56-mile course with scenic farmland and mountain views. The two-and-a-half loop 26.2-mile run course will showcase beautiful downtown Chattanooga, the South Side, Riverview and the North Shore. Athletes can expect a fast, rolling course.

According to Chattanooga mayor Andy Berke, the city is already home to a thriving athletic community. "Chattanooga was a natural fit for this event," he says, adding that the race will introduce the city to a whole new breed of athletes. Berke says he looks forward to seeing how the IRONMAN event grows over the next few years as it builds upon the city's reputation as an outdoor adventure destination. 

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has been named the Official Charity Partner of the inaugural event. CCFA will send a team of up to 100 athletes through Team Challenge, their endurance training and fundraising program. The program participants will raise funds for research, education and support for the 1.4 million Americans suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—two debilitating digestive diseases that affect 1 in 200 Americans, including 150,000 children nationwide. 

IRONMAN Chattanooga will have a $25,000 USD professional prize purse and will be a P-2000 race. The race will offer 50 age group slots to the 2015 IRONMAN World Championship taking place on Oct. 10, 2015 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. General registration for IRONMAN Chattanooga will open at noon ET Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at ironman.com/chattanooga.

• Ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/08/ironman-chattanooga-announcement.aspx
• Ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/chattanooga.aspx

IRONMAN Copenhagen to take place on 18. August 2013

Recently acquired Danish races like former Challenge Copenhagen will take place as planned. IRONMAN Copenhagen will start at 18. August. A press conference will outline more details on 2. July. WTC's CEO Andrew Messick and YWC's Chairman of the board Jeppe Rindom, both will attend. Meanwile TEAMChallenge's CEO Felix Walchshöfer has terminated contracts with local Danish race organizers and pre-announced a new race. Details on 5. July.

• Kmdchallengecopenhagen.com/pressekonference-tirsdag-only-in-danish/
• Iironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/07/ironman-arrives-in-copenhagen.aspx
• Ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/07/road-to-kona-now-leads-through-denmark.aspx
• Challenge-family.com/challenge-family-terminates-contract-with-danish-races/

IROMAN acquires YWC Copenhagen with races in Aarhus and Copenhagen, blow for TEAMChallenge

IRONMAN today announced the acquisition of YWC Copenhagen. The privately held company organizes several triathlons and edurance sport events throughout Denmark including the popular KMD Challenge Copenhagen and KMD Challenge Aarhus. YWC’s events are a strong addition to the global IRONMAN calendar. Details on the event schedule will be released over the next two weeks.

The competition between World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) and TEAMChallenge heats up again, as WTC acquires several races in Europe after they lost Pencticton, Canada to Challenge. Challenge itself was not able to consolidate their former long distance race in Australia. Screenshot: TEAMChallenge   

Andrew Messick, CEO, IRONMAN: “IRONMAN is committed to growth in Europe as there is great passion for the sport of triathlon here. YWC has a strong line-up of triathlons and we are excited to help advance the sport in Denmark.”

Jeppe Rindom, Chairman of the Board, YWC Sports: “The two triathlon events in Copenhagen and Aarhus are both one of a kind with huge international potential. Our ambition has always been to create events of international and world-class scale. “We believe putting the IRONMAN brand to the two events will make them fulfill just that.”

Pia Allerslev, Mayor of Culture and Leisure City of Copenhagen: “Copenhagen is an excellent and progressive scene for major events and IRONMAN helps brand us as an active city with an international perspective.” We are looking forward to hosting and supporting all the international participants and sports fans.”

Karen Nielsen, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, KMD: “It has been an absolute pleasure to support YWC Sports as title sponsor for the triathlon events since 2011. We have experienced a very positive development on both the professional and amateur triathlon scene in Denmark, and triathlon has been booming in Denmark since the first Challenge Copenhagen in 2010. We look forward to see what the future brings working with IRONMAN.”

Lars Bernhard Jørgensen, CEO, Wonderful Copenhagen: “Since day one, KMD Challenge Copenhagen, placed itself as a strong, well produced and unique sporting event, in the middle of Copenhagen. Todays news marks a significant accomplishment for the entire organization behind the event, the sponsors and the city of Copenhagen.”

Lars Lundov, CEO Sport Event Denmark: “We have been very pleased with the presence of the KMD Challenge events in Copenhagen and Aarhus since 2010. YWC Sports has worked hard to build successful triathlons in Denmark and we see this new collaboration with IRONMAN as a great way to further develop major sport events here in Copenhagen while attracting more international participants and bringing attention to our city.”

• Ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/06/ironman-acquires-ywc-sports.aspx
• Challenge-family.com/challenge-copenhagen/