MANCHESTER UNITED has clinched two regional partnership deals with market leading banking and soft drink groups in China.
Representing the clubs first foray into the Chinese market, United's three-year agreement with banking group, China Construction Bank (CCB), gives the bank exclusive rights to produce an official Manchester United branded credit card in mainland China. This will be marketed to the bank's almost 102 million personal banking customers.
The club claims to have a following of 108 million fans in the country and United’s commercial director Richard Arnold believes the commercial partnership will help the club engage with its growing fan base in China.
"CCB have almost 60 per cent of all branches in 80 major cities in China, making them the ideal partner to connect with our fans," he said.
United's second three-year deal in China is with soft drinks manufacturer Wahaha, the largest beverage producer in China for the past 11 years, with branded products including milk drinks, soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water, bottled tea, fruit juice, porridges and yoghurt beverages.
Arnold added: "Wahaha is one of the most iconic brands in China and one that has come to symbolise the dynamism and strength of the modern Chinese economy. What better way to endorse this modern-day success story than to partner with the number one club in the world’s biggest sport?"
Manchester United has a long association with China, visiting 11 times to play friendly matches. The first time was in 1975 and the most recent visit in August last year.
The addition of China Construction Bank and Wahaha means that United now has 20 regional partners, each contributing at least £1 million per year to the club’s commercial income.