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.