Manchester City announce new deal to boost club’s presence in China

Manchester City FC have extended their partnership with Chinese business development firm Zhong An Holdings.

The club have been working with Zhong An, which is based in Shenzhen and operates across China and Hong Kong, as they look to expand their footprint in the region.

Since the relationship began, Zhong An has advised MCFC on some of their first major Chinese partnerships, which includes commercial relationships, brand and fan engagement awareness programmes and media activity.

Additionally, Zhong An helped City activate partnerships with China’s Ministry of Education, which allowed the club to offer coaches to develop grassroots football across the country.

Tom Glick, the chief commercial officer of City Football Group, which owns MCFC, commented: “We are very pleased that we will be continuing to work with Zhong An.

“China is one of the world’s most exciting and growing football markets. We have made a firm commitment to participate in the development of football in China and to get closer than ever to our Chinese followers.”

He continued: “As we look forward to our pre-season tour, which will take us to Beijing and Shenzhen, we are constantly nurturing new commercial, marketing and digital relationships, as well as growing ever closer to our new investors.”

Speaking further, Mr Glick said Zhong An is City’s “perfect trusted partner”, explaining that the two organisations are now working together to “understand the scale of the opportunity and how to tackle it most effectively”.

Mr Glick added: “We are particularly looking forward to working together on the ground in their home, in Shenzhen, later this month.”

Zhong An Holdings’ vice president, Stephen Ng, commented: “As one of the leading clubs in world football, [Manchester City] are perfectly placed to grow and develop their fanbase and commercial presence in China. We are proud of the joint successes to date across many different areas.”

He added: “Zhong An Holdings is excited to be cooperating even more closely together in the future, both to secure new opportunities and deliver domestic market requirements, ensuring Manchester City continues to be amongst the most successful sporting organisations operating in China.”