Anta Sports Products has been appointed the exclusive sportswear sponsor for China's delegation to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Anta yesterday announced its new role as the 2009-12 official partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee, covering 11 international competitions.
'This co-operation will help a great deal in enhancing our brand image, especially in the long term,' said executive director Lai Shixian.
The sponsorship will be part of Anta's marketing expenses, which made up 14 per cent of last year's revenue of 4.63 billion yuan (HK$5.25 billion).
Capital spending this year will be about 200 million yuan.
Same-store sales, up a single digit in the first quarter, have further improved. 'Sales this year are expected to increase 20 per cent,' Mr Lai said.