IMG, one of the world’s largest sports, entertainment and media companies, has acquired Lexington-based Host Communications for $74.3 million.
Founded in 1972, Host has become a national leader in college sports marketing, association management and media services, and has 16 regional offices across the country. The company is probably best known in the commonwealth as the broadcast company for the University of Kentucky.
In addition to a 30-year relationship with the NCAA, Host provides sports marketing services to several top NCAA Division I universities and conferences. The company also provides a full range of management services for the American Volleyball Coaches, the International Coach Federation, the National Tour Association, the International SPA Association and the Quest International Users Group.
Host will operate as a division of IMG’s College Sports Group and will remain headquartered in Lexington, where some 175 of the company’s 275 employees are located. Host President and CEO Tom Stultz will lead the company’s college sports marketing and media services business as senior vice president and managing director of college sports.
IMG is headquartered in London, England, and has some 3,000 employees in 30 countries. The company’s U.S. headquarters are located in New York.
Add Comment