JTB Corp. to Acquire Northstar Travel Group from EagleTree Capital
Japan’s JTB Corp. has agreed to acquire Northstar Travel Group, the leading B2B media, events and information-services provider behind Travel Weekly, Business Travel News, Meetings & Conventions, Phocuswright and more. The deal, expected to close in September, will see Northstar operate as an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of JTB. Terms were not disclosed.
Based in Rutherford, N.J., Northstar has built a strong portfolio of brands serving both the global travel trade and key verticals such as meetings, incentives, and sports. Its Meetings Group titles include Meetings & Conventions, Incentive, Meeting News, and Successful Meetings, while its recent expansion in Asia Pacific has been anchored by The Meetings Show Asia Pacific and the co-located Business Travel Show Asia Pacific in Singapore. This year’s events welcomed nearly 1,800 participants from 72 countries, including 300 exhibitors.
For JTB, with over 110 years in the travel industry, the move strengthens its global position and opens new opportunities across market intelligence, events, and industry services. By keeping Northstar independent, JTB preserves the group’s trusted market position while providing resources to accelerate growth, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
“Northstar brings expertise and fresh perspectives that align with our strategic vision. Together, we will unlock new opportunities to innovate and deliver value for the travel industry worldwide,” said Eijiro Yamakita, president and CEO of JTB.
“Partnering with JTB accelerates our mission to expand globally, with Asia Pacific as a key focus,” added Jason Young, CEO of Northstar, who will continue to lead the company with his current team.
Eagle Tree Capital, which acquired Northstar in 2016, praised the company’s transformation and expressed confidence in its continued success as part of JTB.
At a Glance
- Deal: JTB Corp. acquiring Northstar Travel Group
- Closing: Expected September 2025 (terms undisclosed)
- Leadership: CEO Jason Young and team to remain in place
- Brands: Travel Weekly, Business Travel News, Phocuswright, Meetings & Conventions, Incentive, SportsTravel, and more
- Asia Pacific Growth: Meetings Show APAC (2024, 2025) and Business Travel Show APAC drew 1,800 attendees from 72 countries
- Strategic Fit: JTB expands global media, events, and intelligence footprint while Northstar retains independence
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