Sources: China-Based Dalian Wanda Group Considering IPO For Its Sports Properties

Dalian Wanda Group is considering a Hong Kong listing for its sports assets as part of "efforts to rationalize its portfolio that could also include other sales," according to sources cited by Wu, Jim & Baker of REUTERS. Sources said that Dalian Wanda last month "tapped investment banks" for a potential IPO of its sports businesses. Sources said that an IPO of Dalian Wanda’s sports assets "would include" Switzerland-based sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media and World Triathlon Corp., which organizes the Ironman race. A source said that the IPO would also include "smaller sports assets in China, such as cycling and basketball leagues." The source added that the IPO "would not involve" Dalian Wanda’s 20% stake in La Liga club Atletico Madrid. Sources said that the IPO would "most likely take place in Hong Kong, but bankers have also pitched for a U.S. listing" (REUTERS, 1/4).