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Chinese company buys Ironman for £430m

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Ironman: Winners celebrate at the 2015 Ironman Wales event held in Tenby

Ironman: Winners celebrate at the 2015 Ironman Wales event held in Tenby

CHINESE company Dalian Wanda Group, headed by China’s richest man, has bought the company that runs a popular triathlon event in Tenby, which is said to be worth over £4m to the Pembrokeshire economy, for $650m.
The purchase is part of a diversification that the property developer said may involve another sports purchase by year-end. It is predicted that the seller, Providence, will make a four times return on its original Ironman investment.
The purchase is Wanda’s latest sporting acquisition after Swiss marketer Infront Sports & Media and a stake in Spanish football giants Atletico Madrid, as the group counters a slowdown in its domestic property market with a move into entertainment.
Wanda, parent of Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties Co, China’s biggest commercial real estate developer, aims for revenue of $100 billion by 2020 from $40 billion in 2014. Ironman will bring in $183 million this year, following four years’ compound growth of 21%, Providence said.
Ironman comprises a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run, completed in under 17 hours. Wanda plans to hold as many as three races in China next year and increase Chinese participants to 200,000 over the next decade from 100.
The 2015 acquisition of Ironman, Infront Sports & Media and a stake in Atletico Madrid has made Wanda Group one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive sports companies. With these new businesses, Wanda Group now has sports sales, media & marketing, and operational capabilities on six continents with strong positions in North America, Europe, China, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
“The acquisition of IRONMAN by Wanda Group is a momentous step for the future of our brand,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer for IRONMAN. “As a globally minded company with a mutual desire for excellence and expansion, especially in Asia, Wanda is the ideal partner. I’m privileged to remain at the helm of this extraordinary organization as we embark on this new chapter in our history. Thank you to Providence Equity Partners for seven outstanding years of ownership.”
In the 2015 Ironman Wales, American Jesse Thomas earned an Ironman title in his first attempt at the distance, while German Anja Baranek—who came into the event fresh from finishing third at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships—dominated the women’s race from start to finish to claim the women’s title.

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Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

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RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

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As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.

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Kurtz addresses Employment and Skills Convention

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SENEDD Member Samuel Kurtz kicked off an Employment and Skills Convention at the Cardiff City Stadium recently, organised by the Learning and Skills Institute. The event sought to unite organisations, businesses, and training providers to discuss critical issues surrounding employment and skills development across Wales.

The convention featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including local Samuel Kurtz MS, who is the Shadow Minister for the Economy and Energy; Rhys Morris, Managing Director of The Busy Group; and Megan Hooper, Director for Employment and Skills at Serco. Together, they explored strategies for increasing employment and the positive impacts this can have on individuals, young people, and the broader community.

Following the event, Samuel Kurtz said: “It was a privilege to speak at this convention and to underscore the vital role of collaboration between government and the private sector in aligning skills and training with the evolving needs of our economy.

“By enhancing skills and creating jobs, we can foster a resilient workforce that will not only meet today’s demands but also drive essential green infrastructure projects, ensuring a prosperous future for young people in Wales.

“Welsh Government Ministers must acknowledge their role in addressing high levels of economic inactivity. Introducing employment targets is essential to support people in re-entering the workforce and contributing to Wales’ economic growth.”

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