IF Management Merging With Montag Group

Talent reps The Montag Group and IF Management are merging operations to form a broadcast representation business with more than 200 clients, including 50 local TV people and some big names in sports media.

While both companies will retain their names, the joint talent business will operate out of New York City and White Plains, N.Y. Financial details of the merger were not disclosed.

IF, founded by Steve Herz, is based in New York City, and specializes in news and sports.

The Montag Group, founded by Sandy Montag, focuses on broadcasting as well as coaches and athletes. It has offices in Manhattan and White Plains. The Montag Group also has developed an emerging consulting business, in addition to its long-standing joint partnership with Ari Fleischer Communications for media strategy and crisis management. IF will assist those other areas as well.

“Steve is the one person in the industry that I would even consider doing this deal with,” Montag said. “IF is known for great client relationships and I really feel that our businesses complement each other, as well as our management styles. With many agencies in the space becoming over- sized, the industry needs a representation business which has a clear focus on client services.”

Added Herz: “For the past 20 years, IF has chosen quality over quantity and fostered a tight knit company culture with our clients and staff. In that respect, Sandy and I have always been kindred spirits, making this an easy decision. We have talked about doing this many times over the years … so this is a natural culmination of a 25-year business relationship and friendship.”