Wolverine World Wide Inc. and sportswear retailer Xtep International Holdings Ltd. entered a joint venture agreement to develop and sell Wolverine's Merrell and Saucony products in China, Hong Kong and Macao.

According to a March 4 release, the venture will open new stores at shopping malls in these locations under the Merrell and Saucony banners. It is expected to start operating in the second half of 2019.

Xtep has over 6,200 stores across 31 provinces and municipalities in China, the release said.