Indiantelevision.com Team

(18 January 2007 10:22 pm)

MUMBAI: Global sports marketing major IMG today announced it has acquired rival CSI Sports group of companies from CSI Sports' management team. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CSI's portfolio of clients includes English football's governing body, the Football Association, and Football League (including the Carling Cup) as well as the England and Wales Cricket Board; Cricket Australia; New Zealand Cricket; Cricket South Africa; and Zimbabwe Cricket. Previously, CSI Sports was part of Octagon Worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Interpublic Group.

IMG, which is owned by the Interpublic Group, said "there would be a simple integration process - CSI's management team will continue to look after the interests of their clients, who will also benefit from IMG Media's unparalleled global distribution network and extensive sales and marketing expertise."

Chris Guinness, the former President of Octagon CSI and a former IMG employee, will also return to IMG.

Michel Masquelier, executive vice president and IMG Media's head of acquisition & sales worldwide, said: "I am delighted to announce the acquisition of CSI Sports given its client portfolio which represents an excellent fit with IMG Media, complementing perfectly our own existing properties.

This acquisition will enable us to remain on target to fulfil our strategic growth plans. I am also particularly delighted to welcome back Chris Guinness, an old time friend of mine. We look forward to working with Chris and his team who will assist us in the development of new business.”

Chris Guinness said: "Having successfully completed the management buyout of CSI Sports from Interpublic Group, the challenge was how to build upon the company's sound financial platform and excellent client portfolio to ensure future growth. The complementary nature of the two companies' businesses and the global financial and distribution strength of IMG Media make it an ideal strategic fit for CSI Sports.”