JTB Corp. to Acquire Northstar Travel Group

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 Chief Executive Officer Jason Young. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Northstar operates iconic B2B travel event, media and market intelligence brands including Travel Weekly, Business Travel News, ALIS, The Meetings Show, Phocuswright, TravelAge West, TravelPulse, TravelPulse Canada and TravelPulse Quebec. 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.

Jason Young, CEO, Northstar Travel Group (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group)

“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 expressed appreciation about their time with Northstar.

“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,” they said in a statement. “We are confident Northstar is well positioned for future success and look forward to watching it thrive as part of JTB.”

BrightTower served as financial advisor and Jones Day served as legal counsel to Northstar. SMBC Nikko served as financial advisor and Venable LLP and Mori Hamada & Matsumoto served as legal counsel to JTB.

In Canada, JTB operates JTB International (Canada) Ltd., a Vancouver-headquartered receptive tour operator with a Toronto office that handles leisure, group, and corporate travel. It also owns Tourland Travel Ltd., which offers charter transportation services in the Greater Vancouver area with a fleet of mini-buses and vans, along with multilingual guided services in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

Closing of the transaction is expected in September 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Topics From This Article to Explore