MMGY Global, the world’s leading integrated travel and hospitality marketing firm, announced today that it has acquired NJFPR, the award-winning travel, hospitality and lifestyle public relations agency and pioneer of Hotel Week NYC®, founded by PR visionary Nancy J. Friedman. The combination of these two long-recognized leaders in travel and hospitality creates an industry powerhouse that will offer clients public relations strategy as part of a fully integrated marketing firm, including expanded products and services in media relations, social, experiential and event marketing.
The NJFPR acquisition doubles the size of MMGY’s PR practice and New York City office and includes a move to new offices in midtown Manhattan. As a result of NJFPR’s longstanding history in New York City and its world-class reputation, MMGY is rebranding the newly combined entity as NJF, an MMGY Global Company. The new brand is a nod to the legendary career of Nancy Friedman, who will remain an active part of the new entity, but also reflects the evolution of PR into broader services and an enhanced practice. The two firms will integrate operations in the 4th quarter.
Julie Freeman, Managing Director of MMGY’s PR, Social & Experiential Marketing practice and New York City office will become Managing Director of the newly formed NJF, managing the firm’s day-to-day operations, client service, PR strategy & implementation and team development. Nancy Friedman will become a Principal of MMGY Global, responsible for elevating the agency’s profile in the New York City marketplace, being a strategic leader for the overall company and driving innovation for current and prospective clients.
“We are excited to welcome Nancy and her team to MMGY. The addition of NJFPR, known for its strong media relations skills and expertise in hospitality, real estate and luxury travel helps take our New York City offering to a new level,” said Clayton Reid, President & CEO, MMGY Global. “Together, the newly combined NJF will offer existing and prospective clients expanded ideas and expertise, plus adding a thought leader of Nancy’s caliber brings an incredible asset to our overall firm.”
“I have proudly built NJFPR on the philosophy of ‘no stone unturned’ to generate maximum results for our clients through superior media relations. I appreciate, however, that there are many ways to create meaningful stories to impact our industry, and that to stay competitive we must enhance our value through integrated marketing capabilities for our clients and team,” said Nancy Friedman, founder and president of NJFPR. “I feel a great synergy with MMGY Global. Our shared goal is to build a world-class travel/hospitality/lifestyle marketing firm, and I’m personally excited to help our collective business thrive.”
NJFPR is the second acquisition by MMGY since Peninsula Capital Partners, a private equity firm with experience in the global travel industry, made a significant equity investment in the firm earlier this year. The investment supports MMGY’s aggressive acquisition strategy and the firm’s commitment to integration across all travel marketing channels.
MMGY was advised on the transaction by Foley & Lardner, LLP on legal matters and Laurus Transaction Advisors on financial matters. NJFPR was advised on the transaction by Davis & Gilbert, LLP on legal matters and Buchbinder Tunick & Company, LLP and Rick Gould CPA, J.D. on financial matters.