MCI Group of Geneva, Switzerland, has merged with Coulter Companies, a U.S.-based association management company, giving the international meeting planning firm a foothold in the United States, it announced last week. The union creates a global brand of more than 1,800 professionals in 60 cities and 31 countries -- more than double the size and reach of its nearest competitor.
"MCI has been active in the U.S. market for many years," MCI Group CEO Sebastien Tondeur said in a statement. "About 10 percent of our revenues come from U.S.-based clients and our management has held key leadership positions in many U.S.-based industry associations, including ASAE, MPI, PCMA, SITE, and the AMC Institute. With the addition of Coulter Companies to our group, we can now activate a robust strategic and operational base in the U.S., making us the first truly global company in our industry."
Added Coulter Companies CEO Thomas Coulter Gibson, "This merger is more than just a geographic or business expansion; it represents a union of aligned cultures and shared outlooks on the global market. It will be thrilling to see the affirmative impact of this union on our clients and professionals, current and future."
For a recap of recent top stories, check out MeetingNews Minute: