IMG Acquires Sports PR Agency, Catalyst

IMG has added to the capabilities of its consulting division by acquiring New York City-based, . Founded in 2005, the firm which counts brands like Purina, Subway, Dick's Sporting Goods, Under Armour, Timex, Vitamin Water and Powerade as clients, will retain offices in New York, Los Angeles and Charlotte as it is integrated within IMG's consulting division.

"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. Werner will continue in his role as Managing Partner for the business and will report to David Abrutyn, IMG SVP and Global MD of Consulting.

"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."

Terms of the deal, which was first reported by SportsBusiness Daily, were not disclosed.

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