Ironman Becomes Part Of Newly-Formed Wanda Sports

Published November 25, 2015 09:13AM

Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd., a Chinese conglomerate that recently purchased Ironman, has announced today that Infront Sports & Media and Ironman will be integrated in a newly-formed entity named Wanda Sports Holding Co., Ltd.

Infront’s President & CEO Philippe Blatter will lead Wanda Sports as President & CEO and the top management from both Infront and Ironman will remain in place.

Wanda Sports will build on the successful strategies of Infront and Ironman, and will focus on three core business pillars: Active Lifestyle (Participation Sports), Media & Marketing (Spectator Sports) and Digital and Production Services.

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 Ironman Chief Executive Officer Andrew Messick from Tampa, Fla.

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 World Triathlon Corporation (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 maximize strategic alignment. Further details will be announced in the course of Q1/2016.