Official: Jianlin buys into Atleti

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Chinese businessman Wang Jianlin now owns 20 per cent of the club’s shares.

The agreement, estimated to be around €45m according to Atleti’s official website, was formalised at a meeting in Beijing between chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, President Enrique Cerezo and Jianlin, owner of the Dalian Wanda Group, a conglomerate company with activities in real estate, tourism, hotels and entertainment.

Jianlin is now Los Rojiblancos’ third-biggest shareholder and told of his delight at buying a stake in the Spanish champions.

“[Dalian] Wanda’s investment in Atletico Madrid is another step forward in our efforts to build a comprehensive entertainment portfolio for our domestic and international clients,” AS quotes him as saying.

“We are delighted at the possibility of contributing to Atletico Madrid’s growth with its solid fan base and a brand that is rapidly expanding internationally.

“We will also rely on their great experience in the training area, which will certainly be very useful for the growth of grassroots football in China.”

Gil Milan feels the agreement means it is a “significant step for the club in its attempts to build a leading global brand, one that will provide the financial resources to remain competitive in Europe and provide a fascinating experience for our fans”.

Although Gil Marin and Cerezo will oversee the daily running of the club – the pair own 72 per cent of the shares – Jianlin will have an active role in decision making and his close advisors will work closely with the club’s administrators.

 

 

 

Tags Cerezo Dalian Wanda Group Gil Marin Jianlin
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