Analysts said the recent moves on Milan clubs fit a broader effort by Chinese interests to invest in
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2016-05-10 14:33:11
Two of Italy's top soccer clubs, Inter Milan and itsrival AC Milan, said they have been approached byChinese groups either seeking a stake or offeringstrategic partnerships.
In what could indicate the latest potential Chineseforay into European soccer, a 12-person delegationfrom Suning Commerce Group, one of China'slargest privately owned retailers, visited Inter Milanlast Friday and Saturday. Club chief spokesperson Robert Faulkner said the visiting delegationwas headed by chairman of Nanjing-based Suning, Zhang Jindong.
AC Milan, meanwhile, said it had received several expressions of interest in acquiring a stakefrom some Chinese groups. Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is chairman of theclub and his company Fininvest is the holding company for AC Milan.
Italy's La Repubblica newspaper reported that Alibaba founder Jack Ma is heading up a groupwhich is aiming to buy an initial 70 percent stake in AC Milan, with the option of acquiring theremaining 30 percent over the coming year. The Chinese billionaire and his associates areprepared to pay 400 million euros ($450 million) for the 70 percent stake, the newspaper said.
Analysts said the recent moves on Milan clubs fit a broader effort by Chinese interests to investin European soccer.