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The
emergence of a relatively affluent middle class in major Chinese
cities is driving an explosion in demand for modern entertainment
and leisure services. As state-owned enterprises struggle to find
relevance in the new market, substantial state assets are finding
their way into the private sector.
In line with plans to further relax rules on foreign involvement
in these sectors, OMI is moving to establish equity positions
in companies focused on hyper-growth areas, including sports.
OMI is focusing its investment in these sectors on establishment
of private clubs that match top quality services with internet-based
database networks for premium consumers with shared leisure interests.
Established in September 2000,
Amateur Football Holdings is the first company to co-ordinate direct
foreign investment into community football entertainment and leisure
clubs in mainland China. AFH is investing in development of amateur
sports networks for a society still emerging from state-owned leisure
controls.
AFH holds 95% of Wanguo Qunxing FC Limited (China
ClubFootball FC Limited), the first joint-venture football club
in Beijing. The balance of the shares is held by Beijing Fu Ying
Natural Technology Company Limited, a Chinese company specializing
in construction and maintenance of natural sports fields and grounds.
Launched sponsored by adidas, ClubFootball FC conducts a wide range
of sports and leisure activities permitted in its business license
for its members and commercial partners and clients, including developing
football facilities, events, sourcing, internet, learning, publishing and travel as well as a fast growing junior academy franchise.
In addition to generating revenues from its football facilities
and event management, ClubFootball FC is providing AFH with the
ability to service major football brands exploring the China market
and to invest in research and development of a wide range of club
network initiatives with strong CRM applications.
The convergence of sports and media interests has also led to the
development of projects in which Odyssey
Media Consulting and AFH have delivered integrated solutions
for international clients, including joint
management of the Liverpool in China project developed for
Liverpool FC and Granada Media.
Amateur Football Holdings - Director - Mr. Shani Farboud
ClubFootball FC Limited - Managing Director - Mr. Keith
Bradbury
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