Wanda: "Partnering with global sporting organisations is our priority" (Wang Jianlin)

“Partnering world sports associations is our priority, through which we can gain licenses of international sports events. Many people think sports business is about buying clubs, that’s a mistake,” said Wang Jianlin, chairman of Wanda Group, at the 7^th Caixin Summit and the Second China Sports Industry Forum, in Beijing (China), 04/12/2016.

Wanda Madrid Investment, a subsidiary of Wanda Group, acquired a 20% stake in Club Atletico de Madrid (LaLiga Santander) on 31/03/2015. The Chinese conglomerate, specialising particularly in entertainment, hospitality, and real estate, has also acquired the Swiss marketing and media rights agency Infront Sports & Media AG on 07/07/2015. Wanda Group became a partner of FIFA, for a period of 14 years (2030 World Cup included), on 18/03/2016 and signed a partnership with FIBA (on 16/06/2016), and more recently with UCI (on 01/12/2016).

Wang Jianlin announces four development initiatives for the Wanda Group in the sports industry:

• Develop cooperation with international sports organisations.
• Conduct international mergers and acquisitions.
• Bring…