CHICAGO — The acquisition of Northstar Travel Group by JTB Corp. was finalized at the start of October 2025, bringing Northstar in as a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of JTB.
Northstar Travel Group is a global media, events and information services company that focuses on the travel industry. It boasts an audience of more than 1 million travel buyers and more than 1,500 supplier customers.
Its portfolio of brands includes Business Travel News, TravelPulse, TravelAge West, Phocuswright, the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, AGENTatHOME, travel42, AXUS, Meetings & Conventions, Meeting News and The Meetings Show.
“From a timing standpoint, the most recent deal was done with EagleTree [Capital] in 2016. In the private equity world, nine years is well past the sell-by date. We went into the market in January 2020, but then COVID hit. We worked hard to get through the pandemic and to bring the business back to pre-COVID levels, which we did by 2024. However, the recent uncertainty in the market has been making M&A more difficult,” said Tom Kemp, former Chairman of Northstar Travel Group. “But with JTB Corp., we avoided a full auction process, and got a deal done at a good price from a buyer that’s really invested in the travel industry. JTB is keeping the Northstar management team and business intact, and it is a large strategic buyer that loved Northstar’s position in the market [with global meetings, content and information services]. This is the largest B2B event and content transaction this year, and it is positive for the Northstar business and team, as well as the events industry.”
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Northstar’s existing management team will continue to lead the subsidiary, with it now positioned to advance JTB’s growth strategy of geographic expansion and investment in events, information services and other businesses in the travel industry.
“We are thrilled to partner with JTB as we enter the next phase of our company’s incredible history. 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,” stated Jason Young, Northstar Travel Group’s CEO, in an article from Travel Weekly.
JTB Corp. acquired Northstar Travel Group from EagleTree Capital, a private equity firm with a variety of events and media assets, including PRA and Arc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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