Marketplace Roundup

Chinese biotech company Zhen-Ao Group has become a major sponsor of the Int'l Weightlifting Federation. Zhen-Ao Group is a developer of nucleic acid products and natural medicines. The company has been considering a major sponsorship with weightlifting since being introduced to the IWF at the 2011 IWF Junior World Championships, which were held in Malaysia (ASIASPONSORSHIPNEWS.com, 6/22).

NEXT UP: As the Euro 2012 "enters its crucial phase," adidas CEO Herbert Hainer's mind is "already at the next important sports event," according to Natali Schwab of MARKET WATCH. Hainer said, "Our focus is on Brazil." Brazil will host the Confederations Cup next year, followed by the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Hainer: "Brazil has large potential." The country has 195 million inhabitants, and Hainer explained it as "mad for sports." Adidas ranks second in Brazil by revenue, behind rival Nike (MARKETWATCH.com, 6/22).