Milan's China mission

Italian giant AC Milan has kicked off a marketing campaign to grow its fan base and business in China.

The Chinese-owned Serie A club on Friday launched Beijing-based entity AC Milan China, as well as presenting marketing resources to potential business partners and local media in the nation's burgeoning soccer market.

The establishment of AC Milan China represents the club's first major assault on the Chinese market after it was acquired in April by Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux, headed by Chinese investor Li Yonghong, for about $875 million, including an estimated debt repayment of $260 million from its long-time Italian owner Silvio Berlusconi.