CSM Buys US Agency SJX

Chime Communications PLC has acquired SJX Partners, a boutique sponsorship sales agency based in New Canaan, Connecticut, through its sports marketing division CSM Sport & Entertainment.

In a deal announced by Jim Glover, Chief Executive, CSM Sport & Entertainment and Harlan Stone, SJX Managing Partner, SJX has been acquired as a wholly-owned subsidiary and is the most recent step in CSM’s growth plan in the US market.

The addition of SJX to CSM’s portfolio comes one year after its first expansion into the US market with JMI and reflects the group’s strategic plan to increase its presence in the US.

“We are proud to announce our acquisition of SJX and to bring such a dedicated and successful group of people into the CSM family,” said Jim Glover. “Their staff and leadership fit seamlessly into our plans for continued growth in the US marketplace, which started with our largest ever sports-related acquisition of JMI last year. The relationship and trust SJX has with its clients is superior, and this move will only enhance what has already been a successful start to CSM’s growth in the US.”

“SJX is pleased to become part of CSM Sport & Entertainment as we share a dedicated passion to deliver best-in-class service for our clients,” said SJX’ Stone. “Our team’s expertise in sponsorship strategy and sales with global brands in sport and entertainment will complement CSM’s mission to be at heart of the world’s greatest experiences.”

SJX was founded by Harlan Stone and Jeff Jonas in 2011 and employs 13 people in the US. The agency specialises in property development and sponsorship sales as well as consulting and media rights. Clients include US Open Tennis, Cirque du Soleil, Little League Baseball, Feld Entertainment’s Disney on Ice, Lincoln Center and Powdr.

Stone and Jonas will remain managing partners of SJX within the CSM Sports & Entertainment division."