Umbro is paying $16.5 million for another 15 percent stake in Win Hanversky Group, its licensee for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The deal is expected to close within the next 14 days. Combined with a 25 percent equity purchase in October of 2005, Umbro will hold a 40 percent interest in Win Hanversky. China is an especially important market for the English brand, as a study by the Warwick School of Business revealed that England’s national football team – sponsored by Umbro – is the Chinese citizen’s international team of choice. Umbro’s England football shirt was found to be the most popular one in the country. Separately, Umbro has launched a new collection of England performance products, integrating the “Trilogy” fabric for climate control.