Sports Business Journal Acquires National Sports Forum

JCT Growth Acquires The Small Business Journal

February 13, 2023

Media & Entertainment

Roseville-based boutique SEO agency JCT Growth has acquired The Small Business Journal, an independent publishing company owned and operated by Jay Block. JCT Growth said it will continue The SBJournal's interviews and expand the site into a business advice and thought-leadership hub focused on software reviews, digital marketing, talent acquisition and SMB market insights.

SportsHub Games Network Acquires Fantasy National Golf Club

July 20, 2020

Media & Entertainment

SportsHub Games Network, a Minneapolis-based operator of fantasy and real-money gaming sites, has acquired Fantasy National Golf Club to expand its fantasy golf offerings and research tools. The deal is an add-on as part of SportsHub's ongoing roll-up strategy to consolidate mid-tier fantasy sports platforms and broaden its product portfolio.

The Betsperts Group Acquires Bleacher Nation

January 4, 2023

Media & Entertainment

The Betsperts Group has acquired Bleacher Nation in a cash-plus-equity transaction, adding the Chicago-centric sports blog to its portfolio of sports betting and fantasy media properties. The deal expands Betsperts' audience reach and content capabilities—boosting the combined group’s traffic and resources—while financial terms were not disclosed.

Buffalo Groupe Acquires Sports Marketing Surveys USA (SMS)

October 12, 2022

Marketing & Advertising

Buffalo Groupe, LLC has acquired Sports Marketing Surveys USA (SMS), expanding Buffalo Groupe's research and insights capabilities across golf, outdoor recreation and related active-sport categories. SMS and its ActionWatch subsidiary will be integrated with Buffalo Groupe’s Longitudes Group to provide a broader suite of syndicated and custom sports market research and consumer insights.

Marketplace Events Acquires Cincinnati Travel, Sport & Boat Show

August 26, 2025

Media & Entertainment

Marketplace Events has acquired the Cincinnati Travel, Sport & Boat Show from Cincinnati Shows, Inc., a division of Renfro Productions. The long-running consumer show (66 years) will continue to be operated by the Renfro Productions management team led by Kevin Renfro and will next run in January 2026 at the renovated Duke Energy Convention Center.

Vistage Acquires Smart Business Network

October 22, 2025

Media & Entertainment

Vistage Worldwide, Inc. has acquired Smart Business Network (SBN), a Cleveland-based media and events company known for its Smart Business publications and Dealmakers conference series. The acquisition expands Vistage's content and events capabilities to better support CEOs and business owners navigating transactions; SBN co-founder Fred Koury will remain to guide the transition as Lee Koury becomes Managing Director.