Infront and IBU take partnership into third decade with extended agreement

BEIJING, Feb. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Infront, a Wanda Sports Group company WSG, will continue as the exclusive marketing partner of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) after extending its partnership by eight years, to the 2029/30 season. The current agreement was due to end after the 2021/22 season.

By the time the 2030 season arrives, Infront and the IBU will have celebrated 36 years of partnership. The first agreement was signed in 1994 between the IBU and APF Marketing Services, which Infront acquired in 2005.

Infront Vice President Winter Sports Stefan Krauss said: "Biathlon is and will remain a fascinating sport and highly attractive advertising platform. We have agreed with the IBU to set the highest possible benchmark when it comes to implementing innovative, environmentally friendly and sustainable methods to attract commercial partners. This long-term partnership offers Infront and the IBU's sponsors an excellent opportunity to plan, collaborate and implement their future strategy already as of now."

IBU President Olle Dahlin said: "Through our strategic plan, Target 26, we are committed to fulfilling our sport's enormous potential and our progressive partnership with Infront will support us in doing that. This agreement guarantees IBU long-term sponsors' support and allows us to plan our reinvestment into the sport as we aim to extend our reach, innovate our future and enhance our events. Infront is a familiar partner, but a progressive one and I look forward to writing the next chapter in the IBU's history with them."

Hengming Yang, President and CEO of Wanda Sports Group said: "The extension and expansion of our IBU partnership reflects the value of our marketing services and ability to tailor and scale our support to meet the federation's evolving needs. We are proud of our decades-long relationship, which is a strong testament to the sustainability and trusted solutions that we deliver across our Spectator Sports business."

This new deal expands on Infront's current role by adding the IBU Cup and IBU Junior Cup – the second and third tier biathlon competition series – to the portfolio. Previously the marketing rights included World Cup and World Championship events only.

About Wanda Sports Group

Wanda Sports Group is a leading global sports events, media and marketing platform with a mission to unite people in sports and enable athletes and fans to live their passions and dreams. Through our businesses, including Infront and The IRONMAN Group, we have significant intellectual property rights, long-term relationships and broad execution capabilities, enabling us to deliver unrivalled sports event experiences, creating access to engaging content and building inclusive communities. We offer a comprehensive array of events, marketing and media services through three primary segments: Mass Participation, Spectator Sports and Digital, Production, Sports Solutions (DPSS). Our full-service platform creates value for our partners and clients as well as other stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, from rights owners, to brands and advertisers, and to fans and athletes.

Headquartered in Beijing, China, Wanda Sports Group has more than 60 offices and 1,600 employees around the world.

About Infront

Connecting fans and consumers to the greatest sports events, Infront, a Wanda Sports Group company, offers everything an event or commercial partner needs to be successful. With a team of over 1,000 experts working from 45 offices across more than 16 countries around the world, Infront is equipped to tackle any challenge – be it innovative digital solutions, world-class event operations, international media rights distribution, sponsorship sales and activations or cutting-edge media production. Headquartered in Switzerland, Infront is passionate and #AllAboutSports. @infrontsports www.infront.sport.

About IBU

The IBU is the governing body for biathlon world, which organizes competitions, promotes biathlon, develops the rules and protects the integrity of the sport. The IBU has recently adopted a state-of-the-art constitution and a strategic plan, called Target 26. This strategy was developed and approved by the IBU's membership and sees the IBU build on its strong foundation, while providing a framework for future success. Extending biathlon's reach, enhancing its events and innovating its future are three of the five key targets set out in the strategic plan.

For more information, please contact:

Wanda Sports Group
Edith Kwan
Tel: +86 (10) 8558 7456
E-mail: ir@wsg.cn