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Tag: Mike Dolan

  • IMG Worldwide acquires US-based Catalyst Public Relations

    MUMBAI: Global sports, fashion and media company IMG Worldwide has announced the acquisition of Catalyst Public Relations, the US based communications firm that specialises in developing consumer-facing integrated marketing programmes focussed on three core platforms — sports, entertainment and active lifestyle.

    The company will operate as Catalyst at this moment and will become a part of IMG‘s consulting business, headed by IMG Consulting senior VP, global MD David Abrutynr . Financial details of this strategic transaction are not disclosed.

    IMG chairman, CEO Mike Dolan said, “The acquisition of Catalyst is a perfect fit for IMG‘s client-oriented businesses. They have a long history of success in working across all the major US 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”.

    IMG‘s Sports and Entertainment Group president George Pyne said, “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. 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.”

    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.

    Catalyst managing partner Bret Werner said, “We‘ve enjoyed a strong and productive working relationship with IMG for many years. 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.”

  • Novak Djokovic signs up with IMG

    MUMBAI: IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, has signed ATP World No. 1 player Novak Djokovic for exclusive worldwide management and representation.

    Under the terms of the exclusive multi-year agreement, IMG will represent Djokovic in developing a brand building strategy through marketing, endorsements, appearances and licensing along with select global business initiatives.

    Djokovic‘s addition will help IMG to offset the loss of Tennis legend Roger Federer, who had earlier this year refused to renew his contract with the agency.

    In making the announcement, IMG chairman and CEO Mike Dolan said, “Novak Djokovic is a superbly talented tennis player, and world-class competitor who demonstrates a very strong character through his passion and commitment to his game. I believe he has the ability to translate those qualities into achieving great success working with global brands in the marketplace.”

    “I‘m very happy with how my career has been advancing these past few years. Working with IMG will continue to build off of that momentum. IMG‘s expansive global footprint will offer me a truly unique set of resources to explore business opportunities that simply do not exist anywhere else in the industry,” added Novak Djokovic.

    Djokovic has won five Grand Slam singles titles — 2008, 2011 and 2012 Australian Open, the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, and the 2011 U.S. Open Champion.

    In 2011 he became the sixth player in history to win three grand slam titles in a one year period. He is also the first male Serbian tennis player to win a major singles title and the youngest player in the open era to have reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slam events, separately and consecutively.