Ironman Acquires Lagardère Events

22 Jan 2016 | tshego

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Ironman has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Lagardère Sports’ endurance division, which includes five races in three continents and eight countries.

Under the agreement, Ironman will own and/or operate five International Triathlon Union (ITU) events, four marathons, six cycling races, and a number of other participation events.

Besides the ITU World Triathlon Leeds, ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, ITU World Triathlon Stockholm and ITU World Triathlon Cape Town. With the current ownership of the ITU World Triathlon Gold Coast, Ironman now owns an operates six of nine events in the ITU World Series.

“Lagardère Sports has built innovative and world-class events which, when added to our global event portfolio, further builds our company and strengthens the entire endurance business under the roof of Wanda Sports Holding,” said Andrew Messick, CEO of Ironman. “These iconic events, and the teams that have created and managed them, will further strengthen our position in triathlon, expand our portfolio in running, and establish ourselves in cycling.”

Christian Toetzke, currently CEO of Lagardère Sports endurance division, will join Ironman’s global executive team as chief development officer and global head of cycling.

“With the acquisition, Ironman is extending its portfolio in world class running and cycling. I look forward to being a part of this growth in my new role,” said Toetzke.

Marisol Casado, ITU president and IOC member added: “Lagardère Sports has been a long-standing and fantastic partner to the ITU. It is with their commitment to the sport of triathlon that we raised the bar and brought triathlon to the masses over the last eight years. I fully believe the transition of these events to Ironman will serve to further strengthen our sport on a global level. Congratulations to both Lagardère Sports and Ironman. ITU looks forward to continuing to work together to keep triathlon a major player in the world of sports.”