Northstar Travel Group, a leading B2B travel industry
events, media and information services company, today announced that JTB Corp, one
of Japan’s leading travel solutions providers, has signed a definitive
agreement to acquire Northstar from investment funds managed by EagleTree
Capital and its co-investors.
As part of the transaction, Northstar will operate as a
wholly-owned, independent subsidiary of JTB and will continue to be led by its
existing management team, including CEO Jason Young. Terms of the transaction
were not disclosed.
Northstar operates iconic B2B travel event, media, and
market intelligence brands like Travel Weekly Asia, M&C Asia, CruiseWorld Asia and The Meetings Show Asia Pacific in Asia. Other Northstar brands include Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, Business Travel News, the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, and Phocuswright. Through these platforms, Northstar connects a
global audience of more than one million professional travel buyers, who shape
and drive the travel industry, with more than 1,500 supplier customers seeking
to engage them.
“We are thrilled to partner with JTB as we enter the next
phase of our company’s incredible history,” said Young. “Our shared commitment
to the travel industry, cultural alignment, and collective expertise – combined
with the opportunity to accelerate Northstar’s geographic expansion in the Asia
Pacific region – will enhance our ability to deliver value to our audiences and
customers as we advance our mission.”
The transaction advances JTB’s growth strategy, which
includes geographic expansion and targeted investments in events, information
services, market intelligence, and other strategic lines of business associated
with the travel industry.
“Today's announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new
chapter for JTB Group," said Eijiro Yamakita, President and CEO of JTB
Group. "Northstar brings outstanding expertise and fresh perspectives that
perfectly align with our strategic vision. By operating Northstar as an
independent subsidiary, we preserve their neutral market position while
creating a powerful platform for delivering superior customer experiences. We
are confident this structure will unlock significant growth potential while
contributing to the innovation and future growth of the travel industry.”
Co-Managing Partner Anup Bagaria and Senior Partner Michael
Struble of EagleTree Capital commented, “It has been an honor to partner with
the Northstar team, including Chairman and former CEO Tom Kemp and current CEO
Jason Young, and to witness the Company’s impressive transformation over the
last few years. We are confident Northstar is well positioned for future
success and look forward to watching it thrive as part of JTB.”
Closing of the transaction is expected in September 2025,
subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.