Paris, France - Infront Sports & Media, a Wanda Sports company, has completed a 100 per cent acquisition of the SELLA Communication Group and its subsidiaries, which hold strong links to the sports of handball and rugby across France. The acquisition further strengthens Infront's position in the French hospitality market and fortifies the existing handball and rugby portfolio - with Infront continuing to ensure the exclusive commercialisation of the French Handball Federation’s marketing program.
Founded in 1993, SELLA Communication‘s guiding principles are based on sharing and respect – two values that were introduced by its founding partners: Former French rugby international Philippe Sella and Jean-Claude Bonetti. The company holds over 20 years of industry experience and is today considered a sports business leader in France – serving as the Official Agency of the French Handball Federation (FFHandball). In addition to its many VIP hospitality services, SELLA Communication also provides its customers with a portfolio of various sports services such as seminar planning and organisation as well as VIP travel arrangements. It also acts as an agent to a large selection of brand ambassadors and stakeholders.
Boosting growth
Jean-François Jeanne, Managing Director at Infront France: "The acquisition of SELLA Communication is a unique opportunity for us to become the Official Agency of the French Handball Federation and also position ourselves as a true leader in the hospitality market in France. The company contributes not only top expertise in their field, but also a strong and effective team – whose knowledge and experience will be essential to ensure seamless continuity and success in the future. Beyond the strategic acquisition and integration of SELLA Communication, this will allow us to build close relationships with a large number of rights holders, top athletes and personalities from the world of sports."
A new adventure
Philippe Sella, Jean-Claude Bonetti and Peter Frare: "We are very happy and proud to take on a new challenge by integrating the Group's team into Infront Sports & Media. Infront’s network, its international sponsorship and hospitality expertise, as well as its knowledge of the sports business are assets that will help us to reach new heights on both personal and professional levels."
About Infront Sports & Media
Infront Sports & Media is the most respected sports marketing company in the world, managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Led by President & CEO Philippe Blatter, Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events – including distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production, event operation and digital solutions – and has won a reputation for its high standards of delivery. As the number one player in winter sport and with a leading role in football, summer and endurance sports, Infront enjoys long-lasting partnerships with 170 rights-holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 900 experienced staff working from over 35 offices across more than 15 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year. In November 2015, Infront was integrated into Wanda Sports Holding, part of the Chinese conglomerate the Dalian Wanda Group.
