MUMBAI: IMG, the global sports, fashion and media company, has acquired a minority equity stake in London-based Sports New Media.

SNM manages, moderates and monetizes social media on behalf of their high profile sporting clients; including athletes, associations and brands. SNM currently reaches over 100 million sports fans across their Facebook pages alone.

SNM is the only sports specific Facebook Preferred Marketing Developer in the world, and owns and operates sports-oriented websites such as GiveMeFootball which provides complementary content for its social media fans.

IMG Media SVP Digital Media Ben Nicholas said, "Sports New Media is a critical component of IMG?s digital strategy. We think that SNM?s unique, proven approach to social media optimization will provide an attractive solution to our clients and partners."

"We?re very excited to be an official member of the IMG team," said Sports New Media Founder Jae Chalfin. "IMG has access to many of the world?s highest profile athletes, celebrities, events and sports organizations. We expect that SNM will be able to enhance many of those relationships."

Sports New Media CEO Nick Thain said, "We think IMG and Sports New Media complement each other well. This partnership will allow us to take our clients to a whole new level, moving us closer to our goal of bringing fans, athletes and brands closer together through Social Media.

MUMBAI: Sports management company ID Sports has signed Multi Screen Media-owned sports channel Sony Six as the official broadcast partner for the third season of its cycling event Tour De India.

The organisers have also roped in Air India as the associate sponsor of the event which has Godrej Eon as title sponsor.
Tour de India 2012 races will be hosted in Delhi, Mumbai and Srinagar on 4, 7 and 11 November respectively and will see over 60 celebrity participants, 20 teams and around 40,000 people attending the races across cities.

MSM CEO Man Jit Singh said, "We are delighted to associate with Godrej Eon Tour De India? as the official broadcast partner. Our association with ?Godrej Eon Tour De India? reiterates our commitment to bring the best sporting properties for the knowledgeable and empowered youth of today who are enthusiastic to adopt and experiment with new sport formats. We are confident that viewers will enjoy our latest offering on Sony Six."

Air India CMD Rohit Nandan says, "Air India, the flying ambassador of India, is proud to be associated with Godrej Eon Tour de India 2012, which is the official parallel to the world renowned Tour de France, as a travel partner. Air India has been an integral part of tourism promotion in India. Also, Air India has been playing a key role in promoting sports and sports person in our country for decades."