NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Jan 7, 2013) - IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, announced today the acquisition of Catalyst Public Relations, the award-winning U.S. based communications firm that specializes in developing consumer-facing integrated marketing programs focused on three core platforms -- sports, entertainment and active lifestyle.
At this time, the company will operate as Catalyst and will become a part of IMG's Consulting business, headed by David Abrutyn, senior vice president and Global Managing Director of IMG Consulting. Financial details of this strategic transaction are not disclosed.
"The acquisition of Catalyst is a perfect fit for IMG's client-oriented businesses," said Mike Dolan, Chairman and Chief Executive of IMG. "They have a long history of success in working across all the major U.S. Sports Properties as well as global properties such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup and boast a strong base of corporate clients. Their expertise in Public Relations, Content Development & Digital and Social media services will significantly enhance our ability to fully service the sports and entertainment agency needs of our clients here in the U.S. and in all of our key international markets," Dolan concluded.
"This acquisition is part of an ongoing plan to further expand our portfolio of key marketing services we can provide our Consulting clients around the world," added George Pyne, President of IMG's Sports and Entertainment Group. "We plan to integrate their capabilities into our global Consulting practice that includes our fast growing PR services in the UK and expand these Communications services into key markets in Europe, Middle East, South America and Asia. They will also be able to work with other IMG Divisions where these types of corporate partner communication services are needed," Pyne said.
With the acquisition, Catalyst's current management team of Bret Werner, Bill Holtz and Ted Fragulis will all join IMG, as will their staff of full-time employees in their New York, Charlotte and Los Angeles offices. Werner will continue in his role as Managing Partner for the business and will report to David Abrutyn. Holtz and Fragulis will continue to work with Werner in managing the business.
"We've enjoyed a strong and productive working relationship with IMG for many years," said Bret Werner, Managing Partner, Catalyst. "The ability to join IMG Consulting and continue with our current client service model as well as expand our traditional PR and digital expertise globally provides us with the opportunity to evolve and grow well into the future."
Catalyst Public Relations was named "Small Agency of the Year" for 2012 by PRWeek, which marked the third time that Catalyst has earned agency of the year honors, including "Boutique Agency of the Year" by PRWeek in 2010 and "New Consultancy of the Year" by The Holmes Report in 2009. These prestigious industry accolades recognized the agency's financial and client growth, client retention and exceptional creativity and innovation.
About IMG Consulting
Established in 1976, IMG Consulting, a Division of IMG, is the world's premier sports & entertainment marketing solutions agency with a global team of experts based in 21 offices across the globe including key hubs in New York City and London as well as long established offices in Brazil, Russia, India and China. IMG Consulting services include sponsorship strategy & activation, brand marketing, public relations, digital & social media solutions, contract negotiations & management and return on investment measurement services. IMG Consulting works on behalf of our clients across all the major global sports and entertainment properties including specialized practices in Olympics, Global Football, Motorsports, Golf, Tennis, Event Marketing, Hospitality, Tourism and Public Sector Services. Over the past three years, IMG Consulting has been recognized in the United States as 'Corporate Consulting Agency of the Year' by the Sports Business Journal in both 2009 & 2010 as well as in Europe as 'Sponsorship Consultancy of the Year' at the 2011 Hollis Sponsorship Awards.
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG's areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG's Joint Ventures in China, Brazil, India and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Golf and IMG Tennis, IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com. Follow IMG Worldwide on Twitter and Facebook.
About Catalyst
Catalyst, founded in October of 2005, is at the forefront of strategic media relations through its extensive knowledge of digital and traditional media. The agency partners with leading brands to reach the hearts and minds of consumers who are passionate about sports, entertainment and leading an active lifestyle. Catalyst is headquartered in New York with offices in Los Angeles and Charlotte. More information is available at www.catalystpublicrelations.com. Follow Catalyst on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PRCatalyst and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catalyst-Publi...46?fref=ts
Contact: Jim Gallagher
IMG
(212) 774-4419Email Contact
Jennifer Bozzelli
IMG
(212) 774-4416Email Contact
Rob Bronfeld
Catalylst
(212) 714-7909Email Contact
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