JTB Corp. to Acquire Northstar Travel Group

Northstar Travel Group, a leading B2B travel industry events, media, and information services company, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by JTB Corp., one of Japan’s premier travel solutions providers. The transaction is expected to close in September 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Upon closing, Northstar will operate as a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of JTB, continuing to be led by its current management team, including CEO Jason Young.

Northstar’s portfolio includes globally recognized B2B travel event, media, and market intelligence brands such as Travel Weekly Asia, M&C Asia, CruiseWorld Asia, and The Meetings Show Asia Pacific. In addition, Northstar’s U.S. and global brands include Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, Business Travel News, the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, and Phocuswright. Collectively, these platforms connect more than one million professional travel buyerswith over 1,500 supplier partners worldwide.

“We are thrilled to partner with JTB as we enter the next phase of our company’s incredible history,” said Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel Group. “Our shared commitment to the travel industry, cultural alignment, and collective expertise – coupled with JTB’s support for geographic expansion in the Asia Pacific region – will further strengthen our ability to deliver value to our audiences and customers.”

For JTB, the acquisition underscores its strategy to expand geographically and invest in events, information services, market intelligence, and other key areas within the travel ecosystem.

“Today's announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for JTB Group,” said Eijiro Yamakita, President and CEO of JTB Corp. “Northstar brings outstanding expertise and fresh perspectives that align perfectly with our strategic vision. By operating Northstar as an independent subsidiary, we preserve their neutrality while creating a powerful platform for innovation and future growth in the global travel industry.”

Former majority owner EagleTree Capital expressed confidence in the transaction. “It has been an honor to partner with the Northstar team, including Chairman and former CEO Tom Kemp and current CEO Jason Young, through a period of remarkable transformation,” said Anup Bagaria, Co-Managing Partner, and Michael Struble, Senior Partner of EagleTree Capital. “We believe Northstar is exceptionally well positioned for the future and look forward to seeing its continued success as part of JTB.”